BX 






i 



■ 
■ 

■ 

H 
■ 

■I 

mm m \m 




iBal 









vO« 









^^ 



















^v ^ 



% ? 




















- 





































































































*o. 







: 










































7 <?f/7&**!* ti 



pPA 





/s-tr 



** / 



A 

JOURNAL 

OF THE 

LIFE AND RELIGIOUS LABOURS 

OF 

RICHARD JORDAN, 

•< 
A MINISTER OF THE GOSPEL 

IN THE 

Late of Newton, in Gloucester County, New Jersey. 



And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firma- 
ment, and they that turn many to righteousness, as the stars for- 
ever and ever. — Daniel, xii. 3. 



$Mlafoelp!ifa: 

Printed and Published by 
THOMAS KITE— 64 WALNUT STREET. 

1829. 



THE LiWtAaY 

or co ft oft Uf | 

WASHINGTON 



f\0\S 



-&V 



3b 



TESTIMONY 

OF 

HADDONFIELD MONTHLY MEETING 

CONCERNING OUR BELOVED FRIEND 

RICHARD JORDAN, 

DECEASED. 



It appears from memorandums whieh he has left- 
that his parents, Joseph and Patience Jordan, were 
members of our religious society. His father being much 
from home on business, and his mother dying whilst h< 
was quite young, his education was so far neglected, 
that he was but a few times at a religious meeting of 
Friends, until he was twelve years old. But the watch- 
ful care and unspeakable mercy of the Lord, was mani- 
fested in the tendering visitations of his holy spirit, ex- 
citing awful impressions on his mind respecting a future 
state, and raising at times fervent desires after an inhe- 
ritance among the spirits of the sanctified in heaven, 
when time to him should be no longer. But not keep- 
ing close to this religious exercise, the tendering sense 
of divine goodness became much effaced, his mind alien- 
ated from the source of all true comfort, and his feet 
with avidity were tracing the paths of temptation and 
lying vanities. In this condition it pleased the Shep* 



TESTIMONY. 



herd of Tsrael renewedly to bring him under a deep 
sense of judgment and condemnation for sin ; and as 
he patiently and humbly abode under this refining bap- 
tism, though at times tempted to give up all hope of 
ever attaining to a state of acceptance and peace, he 
was, through great mercy, enabled to surrender himself 
into the hands of his all-sufficient Redeemer, and 
brought into a living and heartfelt experience of recon- 
ciliation to God, through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Being married and settled in North Carolina, and 
having passed through many deep and various baptisms, 
with an awful impression that he was called to the min- 
istry, and at times a sensible feeling of the divine hand 
putting him forth therein, which he strove to avoid ; he 
was, in the twenty-fifth year of his age, enabled to re- 
sign himself to the disposal of the blessed Head of the 
church, and strengthened to express a few words in a 
small meeting of Friends, which yielded indescribable 
peace to his hitherto oppressed and afflicted soul. His 
appearances in the ministry were for a long time small, 
and not frequent, his mind being covered with a fear 
and dread lest he should shoot out into branches, 
and not truly know an establishment in the root of im- 
mortal life. He kept much at home, except attending 
his own yearly meeting, and some neighbouring meet- 
ings in Virginia, and also travelling on foot in religious 
visits to some places in North Carolina. Being faithful 
in the little, his qualification for further services became 
enlarged, and feeling a religious concern to visit the 
meetings of friends in the northern and eastern states, 
he opened the same to his friends, and in the third 
month, 1797, obtained certificates of their unity, from 
the monthly and quarterly meetings of which he was a 
member. His visit to those parts was attended with 



TESTIMONY. 5 

the savour of divine life, and as a messenger of Christ his 
fervent labours in the ministry were made effectual to 
the quickening of many minds, and to the real edifica- 
tion of the church. Some time after his return from 
this journey, his mind being often greatly reduced and 
humbled, a prospect of extensive religious service in 
foreign parts was weightily spread before him, which, 
through holy help, he was enabled to give up to ; and 
in the second month, 1800, after receiving the requisite 
certificates, he left his residence with a humbling sense 
of the Lord's hand upon him ; and soon after, embark- 
ed at New York in a vessel bound for England. Being 
strengthened to complete his visit with much accept- 
ance and in the unity of his friends, to most of the 
meetings in Great Britain and Ireland, and also to seve- 
ral parts of the continent of Europe, where he experi- 
enced many remarkable preservations, and signal inter- 
positions of Divine Providence, he returned to America 
in the tenth month, 1802. After the lapse of several 
months, believing himself called upon to reside some 
time in Connecticut, he removed with his family to 
Hartford, in that state, in the year 1804. Whilst an in- 
habitant there, he paid several religious visits to distant 
meetings ; and in 1 809, being satisfied that it would be 
right for him to leave those parts, and again change his 
residence, he spread the same before his friends, who 
after due deliberation, signified their unity with his pros- 
pect, and he accordingly came and settled within the 
limits of this monthly meeting. His time for several 
years was much occupied in attending to the services 
of our religious society, and in performing some religi- 
ous visits. In the management of his temporal affairs, 
he was remarkably cautious of entering into engage- 
ments or contracting debts, lest through any unforeseen 

A 2 



TESTIMONY. 



occurrence, an honourable and punctual discharge of 
them might be improperly delayed or prevented, and a 
blemish be thereby brought upon the cause of Truth, 
which to him was more precious than any earthly pos- 
session: this guarded circumspection was so strictly 
maintained, that, making his wants few, he rarely had 
any unsettled accounts on hand. 

Being devoted to the service of his heavenly Master, 
he was made an able minister of the gospel ; and though 
at times, in the beginning of his communications, he 
might seem to the superficial observer, to move on in 
weakness, yet to the truly gathered spirits he was felt 
to be exercised in watchful care not to proceed faster 
or further, than as the great Shepherd of the sheep was 
pleased to lead along, in the openings of the divine gift. 
His reverent humble waiting, and deep exercise of spi- 
rit, in his silent sitting in our meetings, was instructive 
and at times had a reaching effect upon the minds of 
those around him ; and when put forth to speak to the 
people, it was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, 
but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power ; bap- 
tizing the audience, and clearly opening to individuals 
their states and conditions, showing with indubitable cer- 
tainty, that the pathway of peace and salvation was 
through the effectual operation of the Cross of our 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

In the third month, 1825, he met with a close trial in 
the death of his beloved wife, which he bore with ex- 
emplary resignation. 

In the eighth month, 1826, returning from a visit to 
Salem quarterly meeting, held at Woodbury, and con- 
versing with a friend in allusion to a visit he had lately 
made to Friends in Philadelphia, he expressed the great 
peace and satisfaction he felt in recurring to it, and em- 



TESTIMONY. 7 

phatically said that it would be his last visit ; and ap- 
peared settled in the conviction that the happy period 
of his release from the trials of time was near at hand. 
In a few days after this, he was taken unwell ; and in 
this his last illness, which continued about two months, 
he had much conversation with several of his dear and 
intimate friends, upon the present state of our religious 
society, earnestly declaring as his belief, that all those 
who were led by the spirit of truth, would feel them- 
selves constrained to acknowledge all that is recorded 
in the holy scriptures, concerning the coming, the suf- 
ferings, and offices of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, as he appeared in the flesh at Jerusalem. He 
several times declared as his firm conviction at that aw- 
ful period, that however painful the present state of 
things was to the sincere followers of the Lamb, yet he 
fully believed it would be made the means of purifying 
the Society of much of its dross, and that such as stood 
faithful in their allegiance to Christ, would be deepen- 
ed by it in the life of religion. He had seen (he said) 
that the Lord would take the cause into his own hand, 
and none should be able to hinder him : that those of 
this society, who had been highly favoured, but who 
had turned their backs and forsaken Him, would be cast 
out, and others brought in, who would stand for the 
honour of his great name, and for his cause in the earth. 
On the 1 6th of the ninth month, a friend calling to see 
him, he intimated that he thought his recovery very 
doubtful, considering his age, and the great prostration 
of his strength ; but he several times remarked, that 
he had no will but the Lord's will. He expressed with 
much feeling and deep sorrow, his concern for those, 
who, by giving way to their creaturely wisdom and car- 
nal reasoning, have departed from the Christian faith. 



TESTIMONY. 



With much emphasis he said, " Oh, what will those 
men do, that deny the divinity of our Lord and Savi- 
our Jesus Christ ! what refuge will they have at such a 
time as this ; on a sick bed — O, what will become of 
them !" — Once he said, " I would not be in their state 
for any thing in the world." He intimated that during 
this sickness, he had had much opportunity for reflec- 
tion, both by day and by night, and he had thought much 
upon the awful state of those people that deny the Lord, 
and the only hope of salvation, which, added he, is by 
the mercy of God, through the merits and the grace of 
our Lord Jesus Christ. Then he said with much em- 
phasis, " My hope, my only hope for salvation, is in 
the mercy of God, through the merits of Jesus Christ :" 
these, or words nearly similar, he repeated several 
times during the course of the conversation. He en- 
larged very instructively on the ground of this his hope, 
and the great stay and comfort it was to his mind : — 
" Oh," said he, " I would not give this hope in the mer- 
cy of God, through Jesus Christ, for the whole world." 
He then proceeded to relate, how, during that illness, 
many scripture passages, both out of the old and new 
testament, had been unfolded to his mind with great 
clearness and comfort, respecting the plan devised by 
divine love for the restoration of poor fallen man, and 
the salvation of sinners. — After setting forth the fall of 
man, through the temptation and subtlety of satan, and 
his aspiring above the station appointed him by divine 
wisdom, he proceeded to open some of those passages, 
beginning with the promise of the seed of the woman, 
that should bruise the head of the serpent; and enlarg- 
ed upon many scripture testimonies shewing that this 
Seed is Christ ; even He who died for our sins on the 
cross, and who is a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of 



TESTIMONY. 9 

the whole world, an Advocate with the Father, and 
Mediator between God and man. He enlarged upon 
what faith in God, and in our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, had done in every generation ; then emphatical- 
ly said, " This is also my faith, and 1 shall die in it, as 
I have lived, hoping in God's mercy, through our Lord 
and Saviour Jesus Christ." 

On the 18th of the month, being alone with a friend, 
he entered into conversation on the present state of so- 
ciety, and remarked, that there were many under our 
name, who had made a mere profession, but had never 
been convinced of, nor yielded obedience to, the prin- 
ciples and doctrines of Friends, and it was no marvel 
if such were carried off with unsound notions. He 
said, he believed it had been permitted, in order to 
manifest such as these, but he was firm in the faith, 
that the ancient doctrines and principles of the society, 
as set forth in the scriptures, would prevail : and all 
those who were building on Jesus Christ, would be pre- 
served, amid all the storms and commotions that now 
agitated the society ; and it would yet arise and shine 
in more of its ancient beauty than many now living have 
ever seen it ; adding, " I may not live to see it, but 
there are some of you that will." — He remarked to a 
friend who called to see him ; " It is a satisfaction to 
reflect that my outward concerns are all settled." — Af- 
ter a solemn pause he added, " I know that I am a poor 
creature, and have nothing to depend on but the mercy 
of a gracious God, through Christ Jesus my Lord. Oh, 
these poor things that are trying to do away all belief 
in the authenticity of the scriptures, and in a Saviour, 
what will become of them ! No other foundation can 
any man lay than that which is laid." — His bodily suf- 
ferings were at times great, but he was preserved 



10 TESTIMONY. 

in patience and resignation to the divine will ; and 
several times he ejaculated with much earnestness, 
" Oh, blessed Saviour ! — Oh Lord Jesus help me," — 
evincing that his dependance was placed upon the Phy- 
sician of value. 

A few days before his decease, he remarked to a 
friend, that the crisis had not been shown to him, when 
he should be taken ; but from the way he felt, he 
thought it could not be much longer. The friend inti- 
mating that she supposed he thought he should not re- 
cover, he answered, " I leave it all to him who knows 
how to order all things for the best. 1 have no desire 
but that his blessed will may be done." 

On sixth day, the 13th of tenth month, he became 
much worse, and about three o'clock on seventh-day 
morning, the approaching change was apparent. — He 
was in much suffering until about ten o'clock, when the 
conflict seemed to be nearly over ; and breathing short- 
er and shorter, he quietly and calmly departed, about a 
quarter after eleven o'clock, that forenoon, in the se- 
ventieth year of his age, being a minister about forty- 
five years. 

Read and approved at an adjourned Monthly Meeting 
of men and women Friends, held at Haddonfield 
New Jersey, the thirteenth day of the third month, 
1 827, and directed to be signed by the clerks of the 
respective meetings, and forwarded to the Quarterly 
meeting. 

JOHN M. KAIGHN, 
SARAH CLEMENT, 

Clerks. 



TESTIMONY. 1 1 

Read and approved in Haddonfield Quarterly meet- 
ing, held third month fifteenth, 1827, and directed to 
be signed and forwarded to the Meeting for Suffer, 
ings. 

DAVID ROBERTS, 

Clerk. 



JOURNAL 



OF 



RICHARD JORDAN. 



IT has been much upon my mind, of late, to throw 
together some short memorandums of sundry occur- 
rences which have happened to me, and also of the gra- 
cious and merciful dealings of a watchful Providence ; 
through whose mercy and superintending care over me, 
from my childhood, I have experienced many preserva- 
tions and deliverances, both inwardly and outwardly, 
during the various vicissitudes which have attended my 
pilgrimage through time ; if haply they may afford in- 
struction or encouragement to any Christian traveller 
when I am no more. 

I was born at a place called Elizabeth, in the county 
of Norfolk, and colony of Virginia, the nineteenth day 
of the twelfth month, 1756, of honest parents, whose 
names were Joseph and Patience Jordan. They were 
both in profession with the people called Quakers, and 
endeavoured to train up their children in the principles 
which they themselves professed ; but my mother dy- 
ing soon after the birth of her seventh child, and I be- 

B 



14 JOURNAL OF [17G8. 

ing the youngest but one of the surviving six, have but 
a faint remembrance of her. My father was at times 
much from home in the course of his business, and there 
being no religious meeting near us, we were left expos- 
ed, without a friend to associate with ; and T think I ne- 
ver was at the Friends' meeting house more than twice, 
during our stay in that part of the country, which was 
until I was about twelve years of age. About this time, 
my eldest brother, who had been some stay to us, died ; 
and soon after my father removed with the rest of the 
family to North Carolina, (a short time previous to the 
American revolution,) and we became members of the 
meeting of Friends at Richsquare, which was about six 
miles from our residence. 

During all this time, and for several years after, no- 
thing very remarkable respecting myself, occurred, only 
that I remember I was early visited by something, that 
impressed my mind with a sense and belief in a state of 
future rewards and punishments. I had heard much 
talk about a heaven and a hell, but the impressions 1 
now felt were different from those produced by this 
kind of talk ; for I was made to feel something of their 
power, and from that time was sensible of great disqui- 
etude and distress of mind, when I had been guilty of 
using bad words or actions in my play, or at other 
times ; and I was also sensible of calmness and peace of 
mind, when I had been more watchful over my conduct. 
1 saw then that this state of mind was greatly to be de- 
sired, but alas for the poor fallen nature which Adam's 
children are clothed w r ith ; what proneness to evil ra- 
ther than to good ! Notwithstanding 1 was often chas- 
tised in spirit for my misconduct, insomuch that I cried 
and promised amendment, yet when these stripes were 
withheld, how did I run again into the same excess of 



1708-81.] RICHARD JORDAN. 15 

folly and dissipation ! For although my lot was now 
cast more amongst Friends, so as frequently to go to 
their meetings, yet many of the children and youth 
amongst them, who became our associates, were worse 
than many of my former companions, whose parents 
made no profession with Friends, so that I believe 1 ar- 
rived at a higher pitch of folly and dissipation in a few 
years among them, than I had ever done before, — until 
that day at length came, when, blessed be God, 1 was 
made to see that I was undone. The axe was then laid, 
indeed, to the root of the corrupt tree, and that which 
did not bring forth fruit must be hewn down and cast 
into the fire. This is the day of Christ ; and who can 
abide it ! But if a separation is not now suffered, ac- 
cording to the doctrine of that very Christ himself, all 
must be cast into hell ; — alas, who can bear the thought ! 
No, — I must leave my companions in folly, and endea- 
vour to submit to the dispensation of a separation ; — but 
truly it was a day never to be forgotten, wherein my 
situation, 1 suppose, resembled that of Legion, who saw 
the Redeemer coming towards him in order to make the 
separation, and cried out, Jesus thou Son of God, most 
high, art thou come hither to torment us before the 
time. Ah ! it seemed verily as if the pains and tor- 
ments of hell had laid hold on me, even now while in 
the body, before the time of final judgment and sentence 
was come, and the decree sealed, " that time should be 
no longer." Well might the prophet query, to what 
end is it that ye desire the day of the Lord, seeing it 
is a day of darkness and not of light, even very dark, 
and no brightness in it. Ah ! sinner, how canst thou 
abide it— yet, remember that this is only parting with the 
offending hand, and the offending eye, and is it not bet- 
ter to endure the pain of parting with these, which will 



16 JOURNAL OF [1768-81. 

only continue for a time, rather than to be cast, bodily, 
that is with all thy sins and multiplied offences, into hell, 
" where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched. " 
How can I bear the thought ; and yet, how can I abide 
the conflict ! But is there any thing new under the sun ? 
was not the ministration of condemnation, to the rebelli- 
ous sons of Israel, aday ofterrible burnings, and theblack- 
ness of darkness, and of mighty thunders, and lightnings? 
and the sound of a trumpet ; which so awakened and 
wrought upon their senses, that they trembled exceed- 
ingly and durst not behold ? And yet they soon returned 
to their folly. Oh, how could they so soon forget what 
they had seen, as even to form to themselves new gods ! 
But in the day of Christ, when he visits and brings 
under the ministration of condemnation for sin ; it pe- 
netrates the heart ; it stirs the powers within, and is not 
so easily eradicated from the mind. For indeed, such 
was the conflict of my spirit for days, and weeks, and 
months, that when it was day I wished for night, and 
when it was night, I wished for day ; during which time 
the enemy of my soul was not wanting with his tempta- 
tions and evil suggestions, insomuch that at times my 
mind was almost constantly assaulted with evil thoughts, 
and I abhorred myself, until I thought that of all the 
creatures which God had made, I was the most wretch- 
ed and miserable : and when I had no faith to believe 
that my condition would be better, then the tempter en- 
deavoured to persuade me to put an end to my miser- 
able existence, as the only way to get relieved from my 
pain, sorrow, and distress. I had so far given way to 
this temptation that I was contemplating in what man- 
ner I should effect it so as to be the quickest over, and 
give the least pain ; when, adored be the ever blessed 
Redeemer, I was brought so near to Him, as to cast 



1768-81.] RICHARD JORDAN. 17 

myself down at his feet, and the language of my heart 
was, Lord, if I perish, let me perish here ; let me go no far- 
ther away from thee. For some time this was mostly my 
cry, until at length I felt a little secret hope that 1 should 
yet obtain mercy; and I said in my heart, Oh Lord, 
if thou wilt pardon and deliver me 1 will serve thee. I will 
follow thee whithersoever thou art pleased to lead me ; 
and will do whatsoever thou commandest me, if thou 
wilt be pleased to be with me and show me the way in 
which thou wouldest have me to go, and what thou 
wouldest have me to do, even although it be to tell what 
great things thou hast done for my soul. After a time, 
it seemed as though my cries were heard, and the con- 
ditions accepted, and I soon began to think that I should 
be called to publish the glad-tidings of the gospel ; the 
prospect of which became very awful to me, for I thought 
myself too vile a creature and in no way qualified for 
such an undertaking. Then I concluded I would endea- 
vour to be as good as I could, without attempting this 
awful work, for I was afraid of it, lest if I should under- 
take it, Ijnight again slide into some weakness, if not 
wickedness, and become the subject of contempt and 
ridicule, and so the last state be worse than the first. 

Thus I reasoned away several years, sometimes in 
hope I should get along in this way, then again almost 
in despair, and in great fear of falling quite back again ; 
for I did not always resist temptation to sin, and so at 
times brought upon myself great trouble and distress ; 
though I may remark with thankfulness that I never, in 
any part of my life, lost my reputation amongst men, and 
in this respect perhaps stood as fair as most of my age 
and experience in the world. But, ah me, I have seen 
that it is possible to fulfil all those duties which relate 
to civil society, and are due to our neighbours, while 

B 2 



18 journal op [1768-97. 

those which we owe to our Creator are almost, if not 
altogether neglected. Much of my iniquity and trans- 
gression was now of this kind, and I was often sinning 
and repenting, repenting and sinning again. O, merci- 
ful God ! long-suffering and long-forbearing ! how hast 
thou followed me, and often brought my covenant with 
thee into remembrance, and like an indulgent Father, 
showing me at times, in part, the blessed, hidden recom- 
pense of reward. Sometimes I had precious openings 
in meetings, insomuch that at length I thought I would 
yield, and at one time in particular, it was so clear and 
powerful that I laid my hand on my knee in order to 
rise, but being fearful, I thought I would try it a little 
longer, until at length the opening gradually disappeared 
and was quite withdrawn from me. But like the fruit- 
less figtree I was mercifully spared for several years 
longer, without being wholly forsaken, and cut down ; 
sometimes unstable as water, and then again experien- 
cing a little more stability. 

At length I concluded that if I was married and set- 
tled, my situation would be more favourable to my re- 
ligious prospects, as I was much exposed in the world. 
I was now ready to enter into covenant in this respect, 
and to say " If thou will be pleased to grant me this and 
direct my steps herein, then I will assuredly yield to thy 
requirings." Oh ! indulgent heaven! even my request 
for right direction was granted, my marriage was repu- 
tably accomplished, and I settled down with my com- 
panion, who was a young woman that had sustained an 
amiable character in the world, and whose religious 
education far exceeded mine : her name was Pharaby 
Knox, youngest daughter of Thomas Knox, who was 
for many years before his death, an approved minister 
among Friends. — My own father possessed a number of 



17G8-97.] RICHARD JORDAN. 19 

slaves, and offered me several of them, to help me work : 
but my mind for several years before, had been so tho- 
roughly impressed with a belief that it was not right to 
keep them as slaves, that I modestly declined accepting 
them, although it cost me some displeasure from him, 
as he had not then fully seen the iniquity of the practice. 
Although I had to lay my hands to hard labour, yet I 
felt a peaceful conscience in the course I had taken, and 
thus I got on pretty quietly for a time, especially as I had 
become an advocate for the oppressed black people, and 
many friends were now setting them at liberty. But 
still when weighed in the balance, I was found wanting ; 
and was brought to see and fully believe, that notwith- 
standing God approves of every act of moral righteous- 
ness, benevolence and justice, yet he requires the heart 
to be devoted to Him ; and while this is wanting our 
hope of salvation can never be permanent ; there is still 
something wanting that cannot be numbered; the mind 
is left in unsettlement and not established on that foun- 
dation which is immoveable, and against which all storms 
and tempests beat in vain. 

After I had thus struggled and wearied myself for 
several years, endeavouring still to get along in my own 
way until I had well nigh silenced those heavenly calls 
to revealed duty ; a travelling friend came to our meet- 
ing, and was led to minister to my state, (which no mor- 
tal knew of by information from man,) in such a manner, 
that I accepted it as a renewed visitation from that same 
gracious Father of Mercies, who had been so long striv- 
ing with me. This dear servant, who had left all to fol- 
low his blessed Master, was made instrumental to streng- 
then in me the weak things that remained, so that I was 
once more enabled to renew my resolutions ; and in a 
short time after this, I was raised upon my feet in a small 



20 JOURNAL OF [1790-97. 

meeting then held in a friend's house, near my habita- 
tion. I expressed bqt a very few words, greatly to the 
surprise of those present, but the peace and sweetness 
which flowed into my soul after the meeting, was better 
felt than described: indeed I could not, neither did I 
wish to describe it, but soon got home in order to be 
quiet. 

I think I did not speak again in meeting for some 
weeks, and notwithstanding my call to this work seem- 
ed so indubitably clear, yet my appearances, for several 
years, were but seldom, though I could perceive they 
were generally approved, and acceptable to Friends : 
but I was afraid of having more top than root, and 
thought if I must be a preacher, T greatly desired to be 
one of the right sort, yet my progress in this work was 
so slow, that I was often doubtful of ever coming to 
much in that line. I think as well as I can now recol- 
lect, it was about the twenty -fifth year of my age, when 
I first began this work ; and I did not venture out on 
any considerable journey, within the space of ten years. 
I was however frequently made use of in our meetings 
for discipline, under appointments to sundry services in 
Society, and also travelled on several small journies in 
the work of the ministry, within that time, T believe to 
the general satisfaction of Friends and others where my 
lot was cast. Between the years 1790 and 1797,1 
several times attended the general Assembly of the state, 
on behalf of the oppressed Africans among us, in com- 
pany with others appointed by our yearly meeting, in 
order to remonstrate against some existing laws, which 
had opened a door for much injustice to be committed 
against the rights and liberty of that people. 

I was also engaged to travel on foot to several places, 
where great cruelty and injustice had been exercised, 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 21 

in taking up and selling such negroes as had been liber- 
ated by conscientious persons ; and 1 had some memor- 
able opportunities among them. During the same pe- 
riod I also travelled considerably in the state of Virginia 
and attended several of their yearly meetings to satis- 
faction. 

Having had drawings in my mind at times for several 
years, to pay a religious visit to some of the northern 
and eastern states, I laid my prospect before our month- 
ly and quarterly meetings, and obtained certificates ex- 
pressive of their unity and concurrence with me therein ; 
and my esteemed friend Josiah White, of Perquimans 
county, agreeing to be my companion in this weighty 
undertaking, also obtained the concurrence of the 
monthly meeting to which he belonged. We sat out 
on the seventeenth of the third month, 1797, and met 
at our friend Ann Scott's at Western Branch, Virginia, 
on the eighteenth, and next day being first-day we at- 
tended their meeting, in w 7 hich 1 sat as an example of 
silence to the people. We returned to Ann Scott's, 
tarried that night, and next day rode as far as Thomas 
Putlow's, and the day following reached Barnaby Nix- 
on's at Burleigh. Here we met our dear friends Benja- 
min Albertson and wife, who accompanied us next day 
to- Burleigh meeting, which was a low time to me, and 
mostly silent, except a few words near the conclusion. 
We went that evening as far as John Hunnicutt's and 
thence took our journey by way of Petersburg and Cur- 
ies, and spent a day with my ancient and honourable 
relative Robert Pleasants. 

Twenty -fifth. We proceeded by the way of Rich- 
mond, and in the evening reached Micajah Crew's, near 
Cedar Creek : next day being first-day we attended 
their meeting, where I was silent throughout: after 



22 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

meeting went to Clerk T. Moorman's, who with his 
dear Rachel accompanied us next day to Caroline, 
where we had a meeting on the twenty-seventh, in 
which I had some communication, but it was a labori- 
ous time. On the following day we were accompanied 
by Matthew Terrill ; baited at the house of a kind man 
in Fredericksburg, and had a religious opportunity with 
him and his wife to good satisfaction, and reached Ro- 
bert Painter's at Stafford the same evening; had a meet- 
ing there next day, which was also an exercising time, 
both during the silence, and in the utterance of a short 
testimony. We got to Alexandria on the thirty-first, 
and on first-day the second of fourth month attended 
two meetings there to a good degree of satisfaction : 
second-day went to Sandy Spring in Montgomery, and 
the day following had a meeting there, which was a 
time of deep wading, but I was favoured to get through 
to a good degree of comfort, blessed be the Lord ! — 
Went that evening to Samuel Snowden's, and the next 
day, being the fifth, had a satisfactory meeting at Indian 
Spring. On fifth-day the sixth, we set out for the Clifts, 
nearly fifty miles, through a poor, hilly and dreary coun- 
try ; had a small meeting with the few under our name 
there ; and on our way back another at West River, 
where Friends are so reduced in number that no regu- 
lar meeting is held, though formerly it was the place of 
their yearly meeting. Here 1 was baptised for the little 
remnant left under our name, and had to mourn, as 
over the city of their fathers' sepulchres, which seemed 
to lay without walls, gates or bars, and encouraged them 
to arise if possible and endeavour to rebuild them, that 
they might not be thus exposed to the incursions of 
their potent enemies, which had almost brought deso- 
lation upon that place. They seemed much affected 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 23 

with the visit and with the testimony of truth at that 
time — I wish they may profit under it, for I believe 
some of them were made sensible that it was a fresh 
visitation to a declining people. 

This part of Maryland is so generally cleared of tim- 
ber, that in riding about fifty-two miles, I think we pass- 
ed about one hundred and twenty-five gates, set up 
across the road to save fencing. 

On our return to Indian Spring, it being first-day 
we attended another meeting with them and rode the 
same evening as far as Elk Ridge, and next day had a 
comfortable meeting there. On the following morning 
we went to visit a sick friend, and after a comfortable 
opportunity at our lodgings, with the family, and several 
others who were present, we called to see Benjamin 
Banneker, a black man, an astronomer. He shewed 
us a copy of an almanac which he had just calculated 
for the succeeding year, also a clock which he had 
made several years ago, I think he told us, without any 
instruction. After some conversation on these subjects 
I felt my mind engaged, in a weighty manner, to recom- 
mend him to turn his attention inward, and seek after 
the knowledge of God, the Creator of all, who is the 
Giver of every good and perfect gift, and hath bestow- 
ed a measure of his divine grace on all men, in order 
that they might glorify him in their day and generation, 
and when time here shall be no more, receive a crown 
immortal in that world which is to come; this being the 
great end for which he created them, which man never 
can arrive at by all his skill and knowledge in the se- 
crets of nature or art; or something to this import: 
he seemed somewhat affected by the communication, 
and enquired after my name, saying he would record it. 
We went that afternoon, the eleventh of the fourth 



i 



24 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

month, into Baltimore to the house of James Carey, 
and finding that the small pox prevailed in the city, as 
it had done in several places we had passed through be- 
fore, we became somewhat intimidated respecting the 
disorder, in looking forwards; however we attended 
their monthly meeting which was on the thirteenth ; 
and having solidly weighed the matter, we concluded 
to take the small pox by innoculation, and our kind 
friends aforesaid, having offered their house and as- 
sistance, the operation was performed on the four- 
teenth : — we had great attention paid to us by this kind 
family and several of their neighbours ; and I got 
through the disorder favourably, for which mercy 1 felt 
thankful in heart My dear companion had it much 
worse than myself, for on the third day, the doctor find- 
ing that instead of the pock making its appearance, his 
fever had nearly left him, his pulse slow and confused, 
and little or no inflammation in his arm, but the part rather 
sunk and livid, recommended him to dine on solid food, 
take a glass of wine and exercise himself by walking, 
which was all attended to, and whether from this cir- 
cumstance or the state of his blood, the pock made its 
appearance soon after, in great abundance. They filled 
very slowly, and he was sometimes not without the ap- 
pearance of danger, yet through the particular care and 
attention of the physician and kind nurses, under the bles- 
sing of a kind Providence, he was brought safely through, 
for which we were humbly thankful. These circum- 
stances occasioned my detention in this city much longer 
than I had expected, being nearly six weeks ; though 
towards the latter end of that time, my companion get- 
ting better, I attended a meeting at Ellicott's mills to 
satisfaction, was also at sundry meetings with Friends 
in the city, and had three public meetings for those not 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 25 

professing with us. I had also a religious opportunity 
with the masters and scholars in the academy, as well 
as many private opportunities, and I may say with hum- 
ble thankfulness that my little dedications here, have 
through divine help tended greatly to the relief of my 
poor depressed mind ; and feeling as I apprehended, 
fully clear of this place for the present, I left my dear 
companion to the care of very kind friends and to the 
protection of Divine Providence, and set out on the 
29th of fifth month for the Eastern shore of Maryland 
and Delaware. Rode that day to Gunpowder, and next 
day had a meeting there to satisfaction, after which I 
went to Fawn in the border of Pennsylvania, and on 
the following day attended their meeting; rode about 
twenty miles that evening, and next day was at the 
meeting at Little Falls, which, on the whole, was a time 
of favour. After meeting we called to see William 
Amos, senior, an ancient friend who had not only tra- 
velled much but also suffered greatly on Truth's ac- 
count; rode that evening to Bush, and had a meeting 
there next day, which tended to our solid comfort and 
rejoicing. We went that evening to Joshua Husband's 
at Deer Creek, and the next being first day attended the 
meeting at that place, which was large ; many, not of 
our society came, and the gospel was freely preached 
to them, showing why Jesus Christ was pleased to ma- 
nifest himself unto his immediate followers, and not un- 
to the world, giving them to understand the mysteries 
of the kingdom of heaven, while he spake unto others 
in parables. — It was a season of divine favour, wherein 
thanksgiving and praise ascended to Him who liveth for- 
ever and ever ! We crossed the Susquehannah river 
that evening at a place called Bald Friars, where the 
current was very rapid and more than a mile over, and 



26 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

next day, fifth of sixth month, had a meeting at Little 
Brittain, and the following day attended an appointed 
meeting at East Brittain, which I hope was profitable 
to some. We then went to a meeting appointed at 
West Nottingham, where I was favoured to clear my 
mind in a close searching testimony, warning the negli- 
gent and lukewarm professors, yet had a word of com- 
fort and encouragement to the few mourners in Zion. 
On the ninth we had an appointed meeting at East 
Nottingham, where that eminent servant of the Lord, 
John Churchman, formerly belonged ; this was a pretty 
large meeting and 1 hope will prove a profitable season 
to many if carefully improved. — Next morning, after a 
solid opportunity in the family of George Churchman, I 
proceeded on my journey and reached Appoquinimink 
in the evening; attended the monthly meeting at Duck 
Creek on the following day, and on first day the eleventh 
was at Friends' meeting at Little Creek, which was 
a favoured time. — At four in the afternoon, I had a pub- 
lic meeting in the state house at Dover, which was very 
large and a good time; — the people seemed glad of the 
opportunity. On the twelfth had a meeting at Canter- 
bury, and the following day attended the monthly meet- 
ing of Motherkill, which was a time of favour. — In the 
evening went to Camden, and on the fourteenth had a 
public meeting there to satisfaction : indeed there seem- 
ed to be great openness in the minds of the people gene- 
rally, in these parts, and they flocked together in abun- 
dance at a very short notice when they heard there was 
to be a public meeting. On the sixteenth we had a 
meeting at a little village called Fredericka, where no 
friends reside, which was a solid, good time ; here 
Warner Mifflin and his wife met us, and we had a meet- 
ing the same afternoon in Friend's meeting-house at 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 27 

Milford and on the next day one at Coolspring, which 
was a dull exercising time, it felt to me as though they 
were settling upon their lees. We lodged at a friend's 
house where we had a religious opportunity in the even- 
ing to some satisfaction, and on the day following, being 
first day, we attended Coolspring meeting again, where 
I was favoured to clear my mind in a close searching 
testimony,— may it be remembered to profit. Next day, 
in the forenoon had a meeting in the court house at 
George Town, and another in the afternoon at a little 
village qalled Dagsborough, both to a good degree of 
satisfaction. From this place we went to the house of 
a respectable man, in the state of Maryland, and after a 
satisfactory religious opportunity in his family, we pro- 
ceeded into Accomack county on the Eastern shore of 
Virginia, and had a solid meeting next day among a 
sober people at Horntown ; went in the evening and 
lodged with a justice of the peace, and the day follow- 
ing, being very rainy, we rested. On the twenty-fourth 
crossed the Chinkoteague Bay, about seven miles, to an 
island of the same name, and had a comfortable meet- 
ing with a few sober people there, returning the same 
evening, and there being eleven of us in a small fishing 
boat and the weather rather blustering, the passage was 
not without the appearance of some danger, but we 
were favoured to get safely to land. 

Twenty-fifth. Being first day, we had a pretty large 
meeting in the morning in the dwelling house of the 
late Daniel Mifflin, and another at the same place, in 
the afternoon for the coloured people, both were satis- 
factory. The day after, we rode about eighteen miles 
to the house of a justice of the peace, who appeared to 
be fully convinced of our principles and was very loving 
towards friends; he took me in his chaise next day to 






28 JOURNAL OF [1797, 

Accomack court house, where we had a public meet- 
ing; and returned to his house the same evening. — The 
twenty-seventh, returned up to Mifflin's place, and had 
a comfortable opportunity with the young people, who 
occupied the house, who, though not members of our 
society, entertained us very hospitably, — this opportu- 
nity was like a morsel of living bread broken amongst 
us, under a humbling sense whereof we took our leave, 
and that day reached a little town in Maryland called 
Snowhill, a noted place for ship-building, where we 
had a meeting in the court house, which afforded me 
some relief, though I believe it is a place of great dissi- 
pation. — We tarried here this night, at the house of a 
person who with his wife and daughters, w r ere very 
kind and civil to us : next day went to Salisbury and 
had a meeting that evening in a large inn, which was 
satisfactory, though the people seemed generally light 
and gay on coming in, yet they seemed much humbled 
under Truth's testimony, — blessed be the Lord ! Next 
day w r e proceeded to Easton and lodged ; and on first 
day the second of seventh month, w 7 e had a meeting in 
the forenoon at a place called the Fork, and another in 
the afternoon twelve miles further at Centre, both 
among the Nicholites and to satisfaction : the testimony 
of truth went forth freely amongst them, which they 
received with gladness. — They are a plain people both 
in their dress and manners, and much esteemed by their 
neighbours for their uprightness and honesty in their 
dealings, and T was induced to believe that many of 
them were not far from the kingdom of heaven. — We 
went that night and tarried with James Harris, who is 
said to be the principal leader among this people, and 
is I believe an honest good man. He entertained us 
with much affectionate kindness and at parting express- 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 29 

ed his gladness at my company, taking his leave of us 
in a very friendly manner. 

We had an appointed meeting with Friends of Mar- 
shy Creek, where I was painfully exercised throughout 
the meeting in silence ; yet found relief in the conclu- 
sion, from the belief that I was in the way of my duty ; 
then went on across Choptank river, and on the follow- 
ing day attended meeting at Choptank, which, in the 
forepart was very exercising, but towards the close, 
truth arose and gave the victory — blessed be the Lord ! 
Proceeding thence, we were at several meetings, viz. 
Bayside, the preparative meeting at Easton, Tuckahoe, 
a public meeting in the court house in Easton, a meet- 
ing at Choptank bridge, and another at the head of 
Chester, with Friends and others, mostly to satisfaction. 
The next meeting was appointed to be held in Friends 1 
meeting house at Chester. As I approached this place 
I felt under an inexpressible cloud of exercise, insomuch 
that as I sat in meeting it seemed as though the very 
pains of death and hell had laid hold on me. I thought 
I was never more sensible of the necessity of earnestly 
crying unto Him who alone is able to rebuke the storm 
and raging of the sea, and to save us from sinking; and 
as this was my fervent cry in this meeting, blessed be 
his name, he was pleased to hear my cry in this hour of 
distress, and cause the sea to cease from raging, and give 
ability to exalt his testimony over the heads of even 
whoremongers and murderers, for such there were pre- 
sent (as I afterwards understood) — towards the latter 
end of the meeting it seemed as though the powers of 
hell were shaken, and the great name was praised and 
exalted over all, who is worthy forever ! 

On fourth-day the twelfth, were at Cecil meeting, 
which was also a time of deep exercise ; a spirit ap- 

C 2 



30 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

peared to prevail amongst them not much unlike that of 
the Egyptians formerly, which refused liberty to the 
chosen seed, until a darkness covered them which was 
to be felt: there was much labour bestowed in order 
to bring them to a sense of their condition ; but alas ! it 
seemed to have little effect for the present — the increase 
must be left with him who alone hath power to give it. 
Next day we attended an appointed meeting at the head 
of Sassafras, where was a number of people not pro- 
fessing with Friends, some of whom were from the 
head of Chester, nine or ten miles off, and others from 
the neighbouring villages, who behaved with becoming 
order and solemnity, while the gospel was freely and 
largely preached amongst them, which they appeared 
to receive with gladness ; it was given me to believe 
that there is a seed in these parts near to be gathered, 
if Friends keep their habitations in the truth; which is 
the prayer of my soul for them : dined at the house of 
a hopeful young man, and a number of other friends be- 
ing, present, we were favoured with a comfortable op- 
portunity together. Journeying thence we got to Ap- 
poquinimink, and next day had a meeting with Friends 
there, which was a time of favour, wherein a remnant 
were given to rejoice in God's salvation: we reached 
White Clay Creek the same evening, and here I met 
my dear companion Josiah White after a separation of 
more than six weeks — we were truly rejoiced to see 
each other again. Next day being the seventh of the 
week, we rested, and on first-day in the forenoon at- 
tended Friends' meeting at White Clay Creek ; then 
rode to Wilmington and attended their afternoon meet- 
ing, which was large, but dull and poor to me. I sat 
it through in silence, I believe to the great disappoint- 
ment of many, but I was thankful in being preserved 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 31 

from gratifying the itching ears. We rested on second- 
day and wrote letters to our friends, and on third-day 
attended an appointed meeting at Chichester, which 
was a large, solid, good meeting : went that evening 
and tarried with John Tolbert, whose dear wife was 
then in Europe on a religious visit; he appeared to 
bear her absence with becoming resignation. 

Next day we had a meeting at Chester which was 
rather a low laborious time : Lord ! more and more 
show unto thy people the necessity of labouring for dai- 
ly bread. Rode to Darby, and on the following day at- 
tended a large meeting at this place, which was also a 
time of deep exercise, but truth arose and gave us the 
victory, blessed be the Lord therefor ! 

Several friends from Philadelphia met us here, and 
in the afternoon, the twentieth of seventh month, we 
went into the city : next morning, being market day, 
we walked in the market, which both for quantity and 
quality of the provisions, far exceeded any "market I had 
ever seen; and amongst the many thousands of people 
which I supposed to be there, I was much delighted in 
observing not only the cleanliness in every department, 
but the orderly conduct of the people ; insomuch that 
I do not remember to have heard a single oath repeated, 
or any indecent behaviour, but all seemed to be con- 
ducted in peace and harmony, which yielded real satis- 
faction to my mind. 

On first-day we attended Market street meeting in 
the morning, where I had a pretty open time in testi- 
mony, and it was a solid good meeting : in the after- 
noon attended the North meeting, which was to me la- 
borious, but I was favoured to get through to a good 
degree of satisfaction. On second-day morning we 
went to the meeting of ministers and elders held in 



32 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

Fourth street meeting house, after which we returned 
to our lodgings and w r ere visited by a number of our 
valuable friends. Third-day attended the monthly meet- 
ing for the Northern District where I had good service 
to the comforting and tendering of many minds and 
much to the relief of my own — praised be the Lord ! 
In the evening several friends came in, and being drawn 
into solemn silence, the divine presence was felt to be 
near, and we had a heart tendering time together, like 
a refreshing shower from heaven on the thirsty ground, 
under an humbling sense whereof, praises and thanks- 
giving ascended up to Him who alone is worthy for- 
ever ! We attended the monthly meeting held at Pine 
street meeting house on fourth day, where I was opened 
into the mystery of the holy waters as seen by the pro- 
phet in the vision of life, pointing out the glorious work 
of reformation, and the spreading of the kingdom of 
Christ Jesus upon earth : it was an humbling time, in 
which the hearts of many were made renewedly thank- 
ful to the Lord for the continuance of his mercies, es- 
pecially the remnant who were engaged to travail with 
the seed, and who waited for the consolation of Israel. 
We visited several friends in a social way this after- 
noon, and next day went to the preparative meeting at 
Market street, which was also a solid and good meet- 
ing. In the evening on returning to our lodgings we 
found a number of friends who had come in to see us, 
and after a time of pleasant conversation, being drawn 
into stillness, I was opened in testimony, and it proved 
a blessed opportunity, like the distilling of the precious 
dew of heaven upon our spirits ; it was the Lord's do- 
ing, giving us to rejoice together in his blessed presence ; 
praised be his name forever. On sixth-day, we attend- 
ed the monthly meeting of Philadelphia, for the middle 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 33 

district, held in the Fourth street meeting house : here 
I felt such an exercise on my spirit, that I was ready to 
cry out, " for Zion's sake I cannot hold my peace ;" 
and as I gave up thereto, a door of utterance was open- 
ed upon the subject of the evil spies, who, after they 
had been favoured not only to see the good land, but 
also to eat of the fruit thereof, and to bear some of the 
clusters on their shoulders in the sight of the people, 
brought in an evil report, and made the hearts of many 
to melt, because of their discouragements and unbelief; 
this was opened and set before us in the light of the 
gospel, to the bow T ing and humbling of many minds ; 
for which favour, thanksgiving and praises ascended up 
to Him, who thus mercifully continues his holy help to 
the remnant of his people that trust in him, amen. 
Went and spent a little time with our ancient and 
honourable friend James Pemberton, and the meeting 
for business having adjourned to four o'clock in the 
afternoon, we sat with Friends again, and then went to 
see our worthy friend David Bacon. 

We rested on seventh-day and wrote letters to our 
families, and on first-day morning attended Pine street 
meeting, which was large, many not of our society be- 
ing present: the Lord's power broke forth amongst us, 
and I was engaged in testimony and supplication until 
I was almost faint; the divine presence shone amongst 
us, to the comfort and consolation of many hearts — 
blessed be the name of the Lord ! In the afternoon 
we were at Market street meeting, where 1 was silent, 
but satisfied in the belief that I was in the way of my 
duty. 

On second day, the thirty-first of seventh month, we 
attended Abington monthly meeting, held this time at 
Frankford, about five miles from the city, which was a 



34 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

favoured time. We dined with Nicholas Wain at his 
country residence, who with his dear wife were affec- 
tionately kind to us ; several friends from the city also 
came in, and we had a religious opportunity to the solid 
comfort and refreshment of our spirits, after which we 
returned to the city. Third-day we went to the North 
meeting, at which there was a marriage. I was much 
exercised in the meeting, and had a clear opening on 
my mind, but could find no way to express it, and went 
away with my burden and had a poor evening. Next 
day attended Pine street week-day meeting, which was 
a time of close exercise, yet I was enabled to wade 
through to a good degree of satisfaction. We made a 
few social visits, and returned to our lodgings; my mind 
in rather a poor stripped state. Lord, grant me pa- 
tience : preserve and help me, if it be thy blessed will, 
that so thy holy cause may not suffer by me ! Fifth-day 
1 we were at the Market street meeting, where I was led 
to treat on the subject of Solomon's coming to sit on 
the throne of his father David, and bringing his father's 
enemies to justice ; this was a solid and good meeting. 

Sixth-day, fourth of eighth month. We kept pretty 
much to our lodgings, and wrote letters to our friends, 
there being no meeting in the city. On seventh-day, 
rifth, we attended the quarterly meeting of ministers 
and elders, where I was largely opened on one of Dan- 
iel's visions, and I believe it was to general satisfaction. 

First-day, sixth. We went to the North meeting in 
the forenoon, which was large. I was opened on these 
words, " that which is afar off and exceeding deep, 
who can find it out ;" from which 1 was led to treat on 
the mystery of the true church, of which the man Christ 
lesus is head : through the extension of holy help this 
was a blessed opportunity, which 1 hope will not soon 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 35 

be forgotten by me, and many others present. I soon 
retired to my lodgings after this meeting, being unwell, 
but felt solid peace of mind. In the afternoon, though 
still poorly, I attended Market street meeting, which I 
was favoured to sit through in peaceful silence, and re- 
turned to our lodgings with a thankful heart. In the 
evening, several friends coming to see us, after a time, 
we were drawn into silence, and our gracious Master 
was pleased to favour us, as with a celestial shower, to 
the comfort and refreshment of our souls ; under an 
humbling sense of which, praises and thanksgiving as- 
cended up to Him, who alone is worthy thereof for- 
ever. 

On second day the seventh, we attended the quar- 
terly meeting which was large ; several friends from the 
country being present, and on the whole it was a solid 
and good meeting, which I was favoured to enjoy in si- 
lence, while several others were acceptably engaged in 
public communications; — after meeting we went to see 
the wife and children of our friend Thomas Scatter- 
good, he being at this time in Europe on a religious 
visit. — Third day the eighth, in the forenoon, a youth's 
meeting was held, and in the afternoon one for theblacks, 
but I continued so unwell that I did not attend either 
of them.— Fifth day the tenth, getting better of my in- 
disposition, we attended the Market Street meeting this 
morning which was large, perhaps more so, on account 
of a marriage. I felt very weak in body, but being soon 
clothed with an exercise of spirit, I ventured to stand 
up and was opened on the subject of wisdom, from 
which I was enabled to utter many gospel truths, and 
the meeting concluded in solemn prayer and supplica- 
tion to the Almighty Father, for the continuation of his 
mercies towards us his poor dependent creatures. This 



36 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

was a glorious meeting wherein my soul, with many 
more, were refreshed and enabled to thank God and 
take courage in pressing forward in the heavenly journey, 
looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of the saint's 
faith, to him be glory, dominion, and praise, forever- 
more. 

Sixth day the eleventh : We left Philadelphia and at- 
tended a quarterly Youth's meeting atAbington, which 
was a solid season ; at the house where we dined, a con- 
siderable number of friends came in, many of whom 
were young people, and we had a satisfactory religious 
opportunity with them, after which we went home 
with Peter Yamall and wife to Byberry, where we 
rested next day. 

First day the thirteenth, attended a meeting at Bris- 
tol which was large, many not of our society being 
present, the gospel was freely preached to this au- 
ditory and the people seemed humbled under Truth's 
testimony, and behaved with a becoming solemnity 
throughout, much to my satisfaction, although the meet- 
ing held near three hours ; many were made thankful 
and gave glory to God. We called to see an ancient 
friend in the afternoon and had a religious opportunity 
in the family, and then rode to William Blakey's. 

Second day, the fourteenth, attended an appointed 
meeting at Middletown, which was the largest appoint- 
ed meeting we have been at in this country : I stood 
forth in the love of the Gospel in this large assembly 
until my nature was well nigh exhausted ere I was 
aware of it ; but the Lord's truth was exalted over all, 
insomuch that I was scarcely sensible of the want of 
anything ; blessed be his great name forever ! After the 
meeting was over I soon withdrew to William Blakey's 
with a thankful heart, and in the evening had a com- 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 37 

fortable opportunity with the family and several other 
friends, some of whom were from Philadelphia. Third 
day the fifteenth, attended a meeting at the Falls, which 
was also very large, many not professing with us being 
there, who behaved well, and seemed humbled under 
the testimony of Truth, which was largely declared 
amongst them in its own authority. This was a solid 
good meeting, wherein thanksgiving and praise ascended 
to the great Shepherd of Israel, who still continues to 
care for his sheep. 

After meeting we went home with Jonathan Kirk- 
bride, accompanied by Peter Yarnall and wife ; in the 
evening a number of young people coming in, we had 
a religious opportunity among them to some satisfaction. 

Fourth-day, sixteenth. We left Pennsylvania and 
crossed over into New Jersey at Trenton; attended an 
appointed meeting there the same day, which was poor 
and dull in the forepart, but at length Truth arose and 
gave the victory, and its own testimony was exalted. 
After this meeting we rode to Stony Brook, and on fifth 
day, seventeenth, attended a meeting there which was 
a very exercising one to me : I was opened on the words, 
"Foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, 
but the Son of Man hath not whereon to lay his head;" 
and was favoured to get relieved. We rode about 
twenty-three miles that afternoon, and next day got to 
Rahway, where we attended the quarterly meeting of 
ministers and elders, and on seventh day the quarterly 
meeting for discipline. 

First-day, we attended two large meetings for wor- 
ship at the same place, there being a very great num- 
ber of people not of our society, to whom I was enlarg- 
ed in testimony ; which went forth in a close searching 
manner to the careless professors and to the sons of folly, 



38 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

yet a word of comfort and encouragement was handed 
to the few mourners in Zion, who were made glad this 
day, for the exaltation of the Lord's truth over all, un- 
der a humbling sense whereof, praises and thanksgiving 
ascended to Him who liveth forever and ever : besides 
these memorable meetings, we had sundry private op- 
portunities in this village, in most of which our souls 
were humbled and melted down before the Lord under 
a sense of his living presence being felt amongst us, 
whereby the stone was rolled away and the poor of his 
flock were watered by the pouring forth of divine con- 
solation into their souls, glory be to his great name for- 
ever, who hath not forgotten to be gracious to his hum- 
ble depending children, who desire to wait for him. — 
Second day the twenty-first, had a public meeting at 
Elizabethtown about five miles from Rahway, on our 
way to New York, which proved very laborious to me. 
with very little prospect of much good resulting from it. 
We got to New York that evening and took up our lodg- 
ings with our kind friends Robert and Elizabeth Bowne : 
on entering this large city I felt low and dejected in 
mind. O Lord, look down upon me and preserve 
me through every trying scene. Fourth-day, twenty- 
third; attended their week-day meeting which was 
large, I had considerable to communicate, and felt some 
relief. We visited some of our friends, and returned to 
our lodgings, where we spent most of the remaining part 
of this week ; for I felt so low and dejected in mind, 
that I could not think of much visiting ; but endeavour- 
ed to abide in patience, inwardly breathing to my graci- 
ous Master, for preservation and right direction. Our 
friends frequently called to see us in the evenings, and 
some of these I hope were not unprofitably spent : one of 
them in particular I thought wasjrather a remarkable time, 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 39 

much of it being spent in solemn retirement, wherein 
several were broken into tears ; it was a heart-tender- 
ing time though there was not a word spoken amongst 
us. Seventh-day, still so low and shut up, that I stay 
mostly in my chamber. 

First-day, twenty-seventh, attended the fore and af- 
ternoon meetings here ; the first was a glorious time, 
wherein Truth reigned over all, to the humbling and 
bowing of many minds : the Lord's great name was 
magnified, and the little remnant of his dependent ones 
sweetly comforted : the last meeting was not quite so 
open as the first, but I hope was a profitable time to 
many. We called to see our ancient and honourable 
friend Joseph Delaplaine, and then returned to our lodg- 
ings : in the evening a number of friends came to see 
us, and we were favoured with another heart-tender- 
ing opportunity together ; blessed be the Lord therefor. 
Next day we went to visit an ancient friend whose name 
was Henry Haddock, he appeared to be not far from his 
final change ; we had a comfortable religious opportu- 
nity with him and his daughters. 

Third-day the twenty-ninth, we left New York, cross- 
ed the East river at Brooklyn, and attended an appoint- 
ed meeting at Newtown, which was small, yet a door of 
utterance was opened to preach the gospel in good au- 
thority to this small gathering, most of whom were 
broken andtendered before the Lord, and the meeting 
ended in prayer and thanksgiving: at the conclusion, 
my poor spirit felt so relieved that I left the meeting 
with joy and gladness of heart, glory to Him who said, 
" I go away and come again." We rode about twenty 
miles to Westbury, and lodged at the house of Gideon 
Seaman, whose father is a very aged man and blind, but 
otherwise active, frequently goes to meeting more than 



40 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

a mile on foot, and seems cheerful and lively in spi- . 
rit. 

Fourth-day, thirtieth. Attended the week day meet- 
ing at Westbury, where many friends were collected 
who made a very plain appearance, but I sat the 
meeting through in silence, lamentably poor, and so 
went away. After this meeting we went to Fry Wil- 
lis 1 , and on fifth-day attended the meeting at Jericho 
to some satisfaction. Sixth-day, first of ninth month : 
went to an appointed meeting at Hollow Hills, which, 
on the whole was a time of favour: in the afternoon 
called to see an ancient friend who was blind, and had 
a satisfactory religious opportunity in his family. Se- 
venth-day attended a meeting at Bethpage, which was 
very exercising and trying in the forepart of it, but to- 
wards the close, a door of utterance was opened to 
labour pretty largely in a close searching manner for 
their help ; and many for the present, seemed pretty 
much affected at the opening of their states and setting 
them before them in the authority of Truth. I left this 
meeting with the evidence of peace, and in the after- 
noon had religious service in two families, the latter of 
which was truly a soul-reviving season : here the heavy 
burden and covering of sackcloth, which my poor soul 
has borne much of the time we have been on this isl- 
and, seemed to be rent and measurably taken off, and I 
had to witness something like the oil of joy for mourn- 
ing, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness 
— for which my soul bowed and worshipped Him who 
is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end ; 
worthy to be worshipped and exalted over all ; so be it, 
world without end. 

We returned to Fry Willis' the same evening, and 
next day being first-day, the third, after a comfortable 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 41 

season in the family, we went to meeting at Matinicock 
which was large, there being a considerable number 
present who were not of our society. Here my spirit 
was uncommonly baptised into feeling, on account of 
a state of infidelity and disbelief in Christ Jesus the 
Saviour of the world, and my mouth was opened large- 
ly on the subject, in a manner I thought strange of, 
amongst so many friends ; but I was afterwards inform- 
ed that these principles much prevailed in that neigh- 
bourhood, and that there were a number present sup- 
posed to have imbibed those dark principles of deism. 
Oh ! what will become of these wicked agents of satan, 
unless they repent and turn to God ! Will he not mis- 
erably destroy these wicked husbandmen, and let his 
vineyard to others that will receive his Son ! The 
meeting ended in solemn prayer, and the Lord's truth 
was this day exalted over all, to the humbling and con- 
founding of the gainsayers ; glory to his great name for- 
ever. 

Went after meeting to Silas Downing's, and several 
friends coming in after dinner, we had a heart-tendering 
opportunity together. Next day we had a meeting at 
Oyster Bay, where are not many friends, but a consi- 
derable number of others came in, to whom the gospel 
was freely and largely preached, with which they seem- 
ed well satisfied : the meeting concluded with prayer, 
and the people parted with great solemnity. We re- 
turned to Silas Downing's, and on third-day, the fifth, 
attended a meeting appointed at Cowneck, which, 
though not large, was very exercising. I laboured conT 
siderably amongst them, and though it appeared to have 
but little effect, yet I was favoured in the conclusion to 
feel relief; we also had a comfortable opportunity in 
the evening where we lodged. 

D 2 



42 JOURNAL OF [17U7. 

Fourth-day, sixth, returned to Westbury, where we 
met with our countrywoman Charity Cook, on her way 
to Europe, and were truly rejoiced to see each other : 
next day we all attended Westbury meeting, which was 
very laborious and exercising, but ended to a good de- 
gree of satisfaction. Went that evening to Flushing, 
and on the following day attended monthly meeting 
there, to which Friends of New York belong. This 
was a glorious meeting : I thought I never had been a 
witness to such a solemnity at any meeting for so long 
together ; it continued throughout both the meeting for 
worship and discipline, which held about six hours. I 
was largely engaged in testimony and supplication, 
greatly to the relief of my poor exercised mind, and to 
the comfort and rejoicing of many others. 

Apprehending ourselves clear of Long Island, we 
parted with Charity Cook and company, and other dear 
friends, and set out for the main : had religious oppor- 
tunities in two families on our way, and after riding 
about fifteen miles crossed over the Sound to New Ro- 
chelle. Seventh day we attended an appointed meet- 
ing at West Chester, which was very poor and exercis- 
ing in the forepart, but ended to the relief of my mind. 
First-day the tenth, were at Mamaroneck meeting, 
which was large, there being a burial. I was led to 
treat on the nature and spirit of the gospel, which 
breathes peace on earth and good will to men. Truth 
reigned over all this day, and a glorious meeting it was 
to us, and to many who did not profess with us, but 
who seemed glad of the opportunity. 

Third-day, the twelfth, we attended a meeting at New 
Rochelle, appointed for those not of our society, which 
was pretty large : their priest and his wife were there, 
and all were quiet ; the meeting ended to satisfaction, 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 43 

and I returned to our lodgings with the evidence of 
peace. Fourth-day we had a meeting in the court 
house at White Plains, which was also large, and the 
people behaved in a solid becoming manner ; and al- 
though I suppose I sat silent near an hour and a half, 
yet they continued quiet, until at length a door of utter- 
ance was opened, and it proved to be a glorious meet- 
ing : the people were generally humbled and many were 
broken into tenderness and tears ; it was said there 
were several lawyers present who were also affected un- 
der Truth's testimony. The meeting concluded in pray- 
er, after which I commended the solid attention of the 
audience and took an affectionate leave of them ; many 
of the people wept and departed with great solemnity : 
may the Lord bless and sanctify this opportunity to 
their lasting benefit, and take all the praise unto him- 
self, to whom alone it is forever due, but unto us, self- 
abasement as in the dust. 

Fifth-day the fourteenth, attended the monthly meet- 
ing at Purchase, which was large, and eminently owned 
by the Divine presence ; the lukewarm were power- 
fully called unto, and aroused, and shewn the danger of 
their situation, at which many of them seemed to be 
humbled for the present, while the true mourners were 
comforted and encouraged. 

Sixth-day, fifteenth. This morning as I walked to and 
fro alone, I rejoiced in spirit, and all that was alive in 
me returned thanks to my gracious Master, who had en- 
abled me to leave my all for his gospel's sake. May I 
keep the word of his patience under every turning of 
his divine hand upon me, until he fully perfect his will 
in me to the praise of his own name. Amen. 

Seventh-day, sixteenth. We took our leave of friends 
here in near affection, and set out for Rhode Island 



44 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

through Connecticut, a very rough road. On first-day 
we attended their little meeting at Middlesex to satis- 
faction, and then took our journey by the way of Mill 
River, Stratford, New Haven, Guildford, Killings worth, 
New London, &c. and on fourth-day the twentieth, got 
to a friend's house at a place called Pawtucket Bridge, 
which is on the boundary between Connecticut and 
Rhode Island. This is the first friend's house we have 
seen since we left Middlesex ; the people among whom 
we have passed are generally civil and respectful to 
strangers. 

Fifth-day, the twenty -first, attended a meeting at Hop- 
kinton, which was a low time, and I left it much de- 
jected ; indeed, for several days I seemed to be as it 
were under the weight of a mountain. Oh Lord, with- 
draw not thy help from me, for without it I cannot per- 
severe, no not even stand still, nor watch one hour ; 
therefore, oh my God, enable me yet to lean on thee, 
for on the arm of thy power I desire to trust, in which 
alone there is safety and preservation. Sixth-day at- 
tended an appointed meeting at Westerly, which was 
small, but on the whole, a precious soul-animating op- 
portunity — blessed be the name of the Lord ! We were 
then at South Kingston upper meetinghouse, Richmond 
and South Kingston lower meeting house, all of which 
were seasons of favour : on second day we crossed over 
two wide ferries, by way of Conanicut Island, to New- 
port, Rhode Island, and put up with our friend Thomas 
Robinson. Third-day, the twenty-sixth, we attended 
the monthly meeting here, which was large, and proved 
a laborious, exercising time to me, yet I found some re- 
lief in a faithful discharge of apprehended duty, and 
hope it was a profitable season to some. I also visited 
the women's meeting, I believe to the satisfaction of 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 45 

friends. In the evening we had a time of retirement at 
our lodgings, with the family, as we had had the even- 
ing before, both which opportunities passed in silence, 
with which I was satisfied ; " there is a time to keep 
silence, and a time to speak," may I be rightly directed 
in both. Fourth-day we staid mostly at our lodgings, 
and wrote letters to our families, and on fifth-day, 
twenty -eighth, attended their week day meeting, which 
was large, and the testimony of Truth flowed forth free- 
ly, especially towards the rising generation, of which 
class there was a large proportion present, many of 
whom were much tendered, and the meeting ended in 
prayer. In the afternoon we paid social visits to some 
friends to satisfaction, and returned to our lodgings. 
Sixth-day : this morning my mind is humbled and con- 
trited before the Lord, under a fresh sense of his con- 
tinued goodness to my poor soul. Oh Lord, so con- 
tinue and keep me in the way that will please thee — 
for without thy help T see that I can do nothing aright. 
On seventh-day, the thirtieth, we had a very large 
public meeting in Friends' meeting-house for those not 
professing with us, who at their gathering sat in a solid 
becoming manner ; but one stood up very soon in tes- 
timony in a way that unsettled the meeting for a time ; 
but at length it seemed to become more settled, and I 
expected soon to stand up, but that same person rose 
again with a repetition of many words without life, at 
which the people were so disturbed that they began to 
leave the meeting; and although my concern for them 
was great, yet I durst not offer any thing until the com- 
ing of the heavenly Prophet, lest I should be a means 
of scattering instead of gathering them. And in the re- 
membrance of the passage respecting SauPs conduct 
and the effect of it, in a case analogous to this, I was 



46 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

settled down in the quiet and passed the meeting in si- 
lence and left it rejoicing in my own preservation. 

First-day, first of the tenth month, we attended the 
fore and afternoon meetings in course which were both 
seasons of favour, wherein truth reigned to the humble 
rejoicing of many minds. Second-day, not feeling clear 
in my mind, I proposed a meeting this morning for the 
ministers and elders only, which was agreed to and we 
met about eleven o'clock: ihis meeting being rather 
uncommon and a great task for me, we went to it, 
trembling and in great fear, but my gracious Master 
who, I did believe, laid this service upon me, mercifully 
helped me to labour tenderly with them in his love, in- 
somuch that many were broken and melted down un- 
der the influence of the holy power that attended us in 
this opportunity. After the meeting some of the friends 
ventured to tell me that there was a cause for my ex- 
ercise, and marvelled at the manner in which I was led 
amongst them ; — it was the Lord's doings and marvel- 
lous in the eyes of his children. My soul bowed and 
acknowledged the kingdom and the power and the glory 
to be His, to whom alone all the praise is due foreVer- 
more. Amen. 

Third-day, the third, we left Newport and were at an 
appointed meeting at Portsmouth, which was a solid 
favoured season. Having a friend of Newport for our 
pilot we crossed over to Tiverton that evening and next 
day had a meeting there which was small and poor, but 
ability was mercifully afforded to labour pretty largely 
amongst them, to the relief of my own mind and I hope 
to the profit of some. We had a religious opportunity 
in the friends' family where we dined, and rode the same 
evening about eighteen miles to New Bedford. — On fifth- 
day, we attended their week-day meeting at this place, 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 47 

which I hope on the whole was to some profit, though 
very exercising to me. — Sixth-day, was a very low and 
trying time. Lord, keep and preserve me in the right 
way ! 

Seventh-day, the seventh, about three o'clock this 
morning we went on board a sloop and set sail for the 
island of Nantucket, where we landed about four the 
same afternoon. We continued on this island about 
three weeks, constantly attending meetings with friends 
on their meeting days, had several public meetings for 
those not professing with us, and also visited many fa- 
milies ; and although we found it a low time with friends 
generally, so that much inward exercise and deep wad- 
ing was my lot, during most of the time, yet I was often 
opened and enlarged amongst them in gospel authority, 
to the tendering of many hearts both in public and private 
opportunities. — At length that deep inward travail of 
spirit and covering of sackcloth, which had been so much 
my clothing since we landed, seemed to be taken away ; 
so that on the twenty-eighth, we took leave of friends 
early in the morning, set sail for the continent and being 
favoured with a fine passage, we landed safely at New 
Bedford the same afternoon, and next day being the first 
of the week we attended both the meetings here to 
satisfaction; and on second and third-days we visited 
several families of friends, in some of which we were 
favoured with precious opportunities to our comfort 
and rejoicing. 

Fourth-day, eleventh month first, we had a blessed 
meeting at Acushnet about four miles from New Bed- 
ford, with the few friends there, William Rotch, senior, 
and his wife, and several other friends from this town 
being with us. Fifth-day, attended the week-day meet- 
ing at New Bedford to solid satisfaction, and on sixth- 



48 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

day had an appointed meeting at New Town, and an- 
other next day at Aponyganset, both pretty large, and 
favoured, the last eminently so, wherein the great name 
was exalted and praised ; many present were humbled 
and bowed under a sense thereof, and at the conclusion 
of the meeting, withdrew with great solemnity. 

First-day, the fifth, attended both the meetings at New 
Bedford again, which were blessed opportunities, 
through the arising and overspreading of divine power 
and love. Second-day, sixth, had a public meeting for 
the town's people which was also a solid, good meeting ; 
we had likewise several favoured opportunities in fa- 
milies. Third-day the seventh, had an appointed meet- 
ing at Long Plain, in which I was led to treat pretty 
largely on the Babylonish captivity, where mention is 
made of the affecting situation of the people when they 
sat beside the waters and wept in remembrance of Zion, 
with their harps hanging on the wallows, not able to sing 
the Lord's song in a strange land. This was a solemn 
time, wherein there was much weeping and brokenness 
in the meeting, and some friends seemed almost astonish- 
ed at the testimony I had to bear, and informed me af- 
terwards that a member, and one reputed a minister, be- 
longing to that meeting had imbibed principles contrary 
to the well known doctrines held by Friends from the 
beginning, and had drawn away a number after him to 
the great confusion and dividing of the meeting, and to 
the distress of friends. Fourth-day the eighth, we were 
at a poor small meeting at Centre, the next day at 
Acushnet preparative meeting, and the day following 
at a meeting at Little Compton, the last two to pretty 
good satisfaction. We rode about five miles to Jeremiah 
Austin's, and on seventh-day had a public meeting at 
this place to good satisfaction ; after this we took our 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 49 

solemn leave of friends there, and got to Tiverton that 
night; and on first-day, the twelfth, rode about eight 
miles in the morning, and attended a meeting at Svvan- 
zey, which I sat through in silence ; then riding about 
eighteen miles further, we got to Moses Brown's at 
Providence, where we spent most of next day in writ- 
ing letters, &c. On third-day we were at their Meet- 
ing for Sufferings, and on fourth-day at a meeting at 
Smithfield, about six miles from Providence, in which I 
had some close searching labour, and left it with a quiet 
mind and returned to Moses Brown's. Fifth-day, six- 
teenth, attended the week day meeting at Providence, 
which was a blessed heart-tendering opportunity. Next 
morning we took leave of our friends and set out for 
Hartford, where we arrived just in time to get to their 
little meeting on first-day morning ; we also attended 
that held in the afternoon, both which were favoured 
seasons. 

Second-day we rested, and on third-day appointed a 
meeting in the city of Hartford, which was attended by 
but few of the towns-people. Fourth-day, twenty-se- 
cond, attended the mid-week meeting at Hartford, 
which was a solid, good time, several not professing 
with us being present. 

Apprehending ourselves clear of this place, we pro- 
ceeded towards Oblong, and prosecuted our journey 
through much difficulty, occasioned by the frost and 
snow, and were at no meeting until first-day, when we 
attended Friends' meeting at a place called the Branch, 
near Oblong, and in the state of New York, which was 
a pretty solid opportunity. Rode that afternoon to Ob- 
long, and next day had a meeting there, which was a 
season of much close exercise: it seemed to me as 
though most of the people there had neither ears to hear, 

£ 



50 JOURNAL OF [1797. 

nor hearts to believe, or to receive the heavenly dew ; 
and my mind was so impressed with a state of obdura- 
cy and hard-heartedness, that at length I cried out in 
prayer and supplication, and then felt relief. With a 
heart melted into tenderness I left them, and rode that 
afternoon to Daniel Haviland's, where we lodged. On 
third-day attended a meeting at the Valley ; fourth-day 
at Peachpond, and on fifth-day a preparative meeting at 
Bedford ; the first two were exercising and laborious, 
yet to some relief, but the last was a highly favoured 
opportunity, w r herein our spirits seemed generally melt- 
ed into tenderness before the Lord — glory to his name 
forever ! After this precious meeting we rode about 
fifteen miles on our way towards New York, though 
the weather w T as extremely cold, and arrived there next 
day, being sixth-day, the first of twelfth month. 

On first-day, the third, we attended the fore and af- 
ternoon meetings in the city, which were crowned with 
the overshadowing of Divine power, to the humbling 
and melting down of the souls of many, especially 
among the young people, of whom there was a large 
number present : it was a day which T trust will not 
soon be forgotten by many of us, especially the after- 
noon meeting, at the conclusion of which, prayer and 
praises ascended unto Him, whose is the kingdom, 
the power and the glory, forever, amen. 

After this last mentioned meeting, I felt much spent 
and almost faint, and having previously taken some cold 
which was now renewed, I was considerably unwell, 
but blessed be the Lord, I had sweet peace of mind. 
I continued poorly until fourth-day, the sixth, when I at- 
tended the monthly meeting in the city, in which I was 
silent and felt relieved : on fifth-day we left New York 






1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 51 

and got to Rahway that evening, and on seventh-day 
reached Burlington, and lodged at John Hoskins\ 

First-day, tenth. We attended the meeting of Friends 
here, in which I was also silent, and next day, notwith- 
standing I was very low in my mind, and had been so 
most of the time since we left New York, 1 concluded 
to proceed to Philadelphia, but when we got to the 
Delaware river opposite the city, there was so much 
ice in it, that "we could not get our horses over, so we 
were under the necessity of leaving them, and with 
much difficulty worked our way through the ice, and 
got into the city about three o'clock in the afternoon, 
where we were again kindly received by our friends. 

Third-day, twelfth. Attended the week day meeting 
at the North meeting house, which was large, and I felt 
very poor and stripped at sitting down, and sat a consi- 
derable time in much weakness and fear, especially as 
I was amongst so many worthy fathers and mothers as 
were then present, but the Lord, who can raise the poor 
as from the dunghill, and set them among the princes, 
was pleased to raise up my poor soul this day, and en- 
large my heart in the love of the gospel, to my humble 
admiration, and to the satisfaction of friends. Dear 
Samuel Emlen said, he had been made to rejoice in the 
Lord, that day, for the offers of his salvation : it was 
indeed the Lord's doing, who is our strength in weak- 
ness, our riches in poverty, and our present help in the 
needful time — blessed be his holy name forever. 

Fourth-day, we attended Pine street meeting, which 
was a solid, good time : fifth-day, we were at Market 
street meeting, which was pretty large, and here 1 was 
again raised up in the authority of Truth, to stand as a 
monument of adorable mercy, to the humble rejoicing 
of many. In the afternoon, being accompanied by Sam- 



52 journal or [1797, 

uel Emlen, James Pemberton, and some others, we 
went to the prison to visit a criminal who was under 
sentence of death for murder, and the time appointed 
for execution was near at hand. The opportunity was 
truly humbling to my mind : I was opened on the aw- 
ful subject of the two malefactors who were crucified 
by the side of our Saviour, and of their dispositions as 
appeared from their speeches on the cross, and this poor 
man was earnestly recommended to the example of 
the last. Next day we attended the Meeting for Suffer- 
ings : and the day following a committee of Congress, 
with some friends appointed by the yearly meeting, to 
present a memorial respecting the abolition of slavery i 
in the evening we had a religious opportunity with some 
young people at a friend's house. 

First-day, seventeenth. In the morning we attended 
the Market street meeting, which was a time of favour, 
and in the afternoon a meeting with the prisoners in the 
state prison, there being at that time about two hun- 
dred of them : they sat very orderly and attentive, and 
that same poor man whom we had previously visited 
was also brought into the meeting, he having obtained 
from the governor a respite for one week : it was a time 
to be remembered with thankfulness ; the prisoners 
seemed generally humbled, and several of them broken 
into tears ; the meeting concluded in prayer, and the 
solemnity which prevailed was to my humbling admira- 
tion. In the evening we were at the large meeting 
at Market street, which on the evening of this day is 
attended by friends from the other districts, and also by 
a number not professing with us : it was a very large, 
crowded meeting, and proved to be a time of favour, 
divine good being near us, and it concluded with great 
solemnity. 



1797.] RICHARD JORDAN. 53 

Second-day, eighteenth. Attended the second day's 
morning meeting of ministers and elders, and in the 
evening went to a meeting of young women who had 
formed themselves into a society for the benevolent pur- 
pose of relieving the poor, sick and aged of their own 
sex in this city. After they had gone through with the 
business of the evening, a solemn pause took place, and 
this little meeting was eminently owned with the over- 
shadowing of Divine good, greatly to the comfort and 
encouragement of the young people in their present ar- 
duous undertaking ; the opportunity concluded with 
solemn prayer and supplication, and we went on our 
way rejoicing. 

Third-day, attended the preparative meeting at the 
North meeting-house, and on fourth-day that at Pine 
street, in both which I was silent, while others were en- 
gaged in public labour. Fifth-day was at meeting at 
Market street to satisfaction, and in the evening visited 
a black school : sixth and seventh-days were spent most- 
ly in social visits to satisfaction. First-day the twenty- 
fourth, attended three meetings in this city, in all of 
which I was silent, as also next day in the morning meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, and my desire is that I may 
be preserved in a holy watchfulness and resignation, 
either to do or to suffer, according to the will and direc- 
tion of my gracious Master, so that he will but be pleased 
to show me what to do, and what to leave undone. 

Third-day, twenty-sixth. Attended the monthly meet- 
ing for the Northern District, which was large, a num- 
ber of solid friends from different parts of the country 
being there, it was a blessed time to me and many more : 
I was again raised from a very low estate and set as 
among the princes of the people, it was of the Lord 
and not of man, therefore I rejoice with trembling ; the 

E 2 



54 JOURNAL OF [1798. 

meeting concluded in solemn supplication in a power- 
ful manner by Jacob Lindley, and broke with great so- 
lemnity, and the harmony was like the pouring forth of 
precious oil. 

Fourth-day, twenty-seventh, Attended the monthly 
meeting at Pine street, which was not so large, and more 
laborious, than the preceding one. I was engaged to go 
and sit awhile in the women's apartment, where I was 
pretty largely opened in testimony to my great satisfac- 
tion. Fifth-day, the twenty-eighth, attended the pre- 
parative meeting at Market street, which was a solid 
time ; and on sixth-day the monthly meeting of Phi- 
ladelphia held at the Fourth street meeting-house, which 
was also a favoured season. Seventh-day, the thirtieth, 
being unwell I staid mostly at our lodgings, and on first- 
day we attended the North meeting in the morning, 
Pine street in the afternoon, and a large meeting in the 
evening at Market street, in all of which I was pretty 
largely opened in testimony, especially the last : dear 
Peter Yarnall concluded this meeting in supplication, 
and the end was crowned with great solemnity. 

Second-day, first of first month, 1798, we attended the 
morning meeting of ministers and elders, where I wa> 
opened on the -subject of Gospel ministry ; it was a heart- 
tendering season, and tended greatly to the relief of my 
mind. This was the last meeting we were at in the 
city, and we returned to our lodgings with thankful 
hearts, blessed be the Lord therefor. On third-day 
morning, several friends came to see us andwe had a 
precious parting opportunity, and then took our solemn 
leave in near affection, and went to Concord that day : 
next day attended the monthly meeting there, and rode 
to Wilmington the same evening, and on fifth-day attend- 
ed the preparative meeting there. I felt very poor, low 



1798.] RICHARD JORDAN. 55 

and almost dejected, and so went to this meeting, but 
blessed be the name of the Lord, through the renewing 
of his goodness, it was a season of comfort and rejoicing. 
The following day we went towards Baltimore, though 
there was so much snow and ice that we found consi- 
derable difficulty in crossing the Susquehannah ; but we 
got safely over on the ice, where it was more than a 
mile wide. First-day, the seventh, we attended a small 
meeting at Bush to good satisfaction, and on second-day 
reached Baltimore. In our way we met with some In- 
dian chiefs who seemed glad to see us, there being a 
particularly good understanding between Friends and 
the natives : we understood they were going to Congress 
with some complaint of grievance : there was something 
in their countenances which appeared serious, but their 
interpreter being at this time behind, I could not speak 
to them, though they all stopped and held out their 
hands to me in token of friendship. Truly under the 
awful clothing of my spirit at that time, I was ready to 
cry out, O America, America ; how wilt thou atone for 
the injuries thou hast done to this people and to those of 
the nations of Africa? Hath not the universal Father 
of mankind testified, " with what measure ye mete, it 
shall be measured to you again. V O thou land of my 
nativity, how wilt thou be able to stand, w T hen He who 
hears from heaven the cries and grievances of the un- 
justly afflicted and oppressed, shall arise to plead their 
cause. Oh, for thee I tremble, when I see clouds, thick 
clouds, arising over thee and gathering blackness. 

Third and fourth-days, I went not much out from my 
lodgings, being poorly, and also low in my mind, though 
I was not quite idle, but was employed part of the time 
in writing letters, &c. Fifth-day, eleventh, attended 
the monthly meeting here without much relief, and not 



56 JOURNAL OF [1798. 

seeing my way out of the city nor yet to appoint any 
public meeting : on first-day we attended the two meet- 
ings of Friends, in both of which I was pretty largely 
opened in testimony in a close searching manner, espe- 
cially in the afternoon, when dear Mary Mifflin being 
present, concluded the meeting with solemn prayer. 
After this I seemed to feel in a good degree relieved 
with respect to my own mind and concluded we might 
leave Baltimore ; accordingly on second-day, the fif- 
teenth, we took our leave of friends, and went on our 
way as far as Ellicott's mills, and the weather being 
very rainy and the waters high, we did not get away 
until fourth-day, when we attended their week-day meet- 
ing at Elkridge to solid satisfaction : fifth-day, we attend- 
ed the preparative meeting at Indian Spring, and next 
day a monthly meeting at the same place, to which the 
friends of Elkridge and Sandy Spring belong: these 
were both favoured opportunities, many not professing 
with us attending in the morning of each day, that is to 
say, during the part of each meeting spent in worship : 
to these the gospel was freely preached and they with- 
drew in a solid manner. 

On seventh-day, the nineteenth, we got to Alexandria, 
and the day following attended two meetings there, both 
laborious and exercising to me, yet T hope profitable to 
some. I left them rather low in my mind and next day 
we got to Occoquan, and had a public meeting there 
the day after, which was also laborious and not' to much 
relief, the people's hearts seeming to be hard. Fourth- 
day and fifth-day, we got to Caroline, and our friend 
David Brooks of North Carolina, having arrived there 
just before us, in the course of a religious visit, had ap- 
pointed a meeting to be held at Caroline meeting-house 
next day, which we attended ; it was nearly silent. 



1798.] RICHARD JORDAN. 57 

We went that evening to Pleasant Terr-ill's and it came 
on so very rainy and snowy that we staid there all night 
and next day, and on first-day set off for Cedar Creek, but 
the snow and water so abounded on the earth that we did 
not reach it in time for meeting ; so we stopped at a 
friend's house, and on the morrow went to Genito, where 
we had an appointed meeting, the day following, to 
satisfaction. Fourth-day, the thirty-first, we got to 
Richmond and had an appointed meeting there also sa- 
tisfactory, then went to Curies and tarried with Robert 
Pleasants. Sixlh-day, second of second month, attend- 
ed the preparative meeting at White Oak Swamp, and 
on seventh and first-days were at the monthly and gene- 
ral meetings at the same place, and also a meeting of 
ministers and elders, in the afternoon of first-day; all of 
which were seasons of favour, though the testimony 
went forth in a close searching manner, especially id the 
general meeting; may it have the desired effect, but 
this we must leave to the Lord. 

Our next meetings were at Curies, Petersburgh, Gra- 
velly Run, and so to the quarterly meeting at Black 
Water, most of which were exercising, laborious sea- 
sons. Here my companion and I parted, after being to- 
gether about eleven months ; he returning home by way 
of Western Branch, I went to my brother Benjamin's 
in Southampton, staid with him a day or two, and at- 
tended their week day meeting to satisfaction. On fifth- 
day, the fifteenth, I reached home, and found my dear 
wife and little family well, and things as to the out- 
ward, better than I expected, considering my long ab- 
sence, for which I was thankful in heart to Him who 
hath graciously promised, that neither grace nor glory, 
nor any good thing, shall be withheld from those who 
faithfully serve him : May I henceforth be enabled to 



58 JOURNAL OF [1798. 

serve Him more fully and unreservedly, yea worship 
and adore Him with my whole heart, even to the end, 
that so no other beloved may have the preference in 
my heart, which ought to be his temple. Amen. 

In this journey I was from home about eleven months, 
and travelled upwards of three thousand miles. Sixth- 
day, sixteenth, being the next day after my arrival at 
home, fell the greatest snow that I remember to have 
seen in North Carolina. 

Third-day, twentieth of third month. Mostly dis- 
agreeable weather since my return home, and the state 
of my mind much resembling it, so that I have scarcely 
seen one fair day, neither have I opened my mouth in 
one of our meetings since my return, but my spirit has 
been almost continually covered with inward exercise 
and mourning, for what cause I have not been favoured 
fully to see ; therefore, oh, my God, be thou pleased to 
draw near to my poor soul in this time of trial, and sus- 
tain me, that so I may not cast away my confidence in 
thee; for I desire yet to trust in the secret arm of thy 
power for preservation and support from day to day. 

First-day, eighth of fourth month. This day I was 
opened in testimony for the first time in our meeting 
since my return home ; but " although 1 speak my grief 
is not assuaged," for though my opening was with a 
good degree of clearness, yet my sorrows have returned 
upon me. Lord, increase my faith, and also my pa- 
tience, that I faint not under these proving conflicts, 
that so I may be enabled to hold out to the end ! — Six- 
teenth, seventeenth and eighteenth, cold, blasting winds, 
and consuming frosts, cut off the fruits, and caused much 
of the tender vegetation to wither ; thus, it is evident, 
that the Father of mercies is repeatedly informing our 
senses, and our understandings, that we are entirely de- 



1798.] RICHARD JORDAN. 59 

pendent on his goodness and mercy, for every temporal 
as well as spiritual blessing. 

Nineteenth and twentieth of fifth month : had a pret- 
ty open time in testimony both at our monthly and ge- 
neral meetings, which had been the case a few times 
previous ; I also attended our quarterly meeting in this 
month, which was, through divine favour, a solid, good 
meeting ; and was at a burial the next day after the 
quarterly meeting, several miles on my way home, 
which was a solid time, and I returned home with a 
good degree of peace and satisfaction of mind. 

First of eighth month. I have continued mostly about 
home since our quarterly meeting, and now Gervase 
Johnson, a friend from Ireland, being here on a religi- 
ous visit, I concluded to accompany him to a few meet- 
ings, which I did, both in the lower part of this state, 
and a few within the borders of Virginia, which on the 
whole was to pretty good satisfaction. I returned 
home with a fever on me, which I had not been clear 
of for several days ; it increased to a severe attack of 
the bilious kind, which proved tedious, and confined 
me at home until about the time of our yearly meeting 
in the tenth month, which 1 attended, though very 
weakly ; yet I was glad I was there, for although some 
of the first sittings were truly suffering seasons, on the 
whole, it was a solid, good yearly meeting, for which 
my soul bowed and worshipped before Him who has 
thus graciously continued his care and loving kindness 
to us poor creatures, who are unworthy of such dignified 
favours. May it prove a powerful incitement to us to 
love him more, and to walk worthy of the vocation 
whareunto he hath been pleased to call us. 

Soon after this yearly meeting, I attended our state 
legislature, in company with some other friends ap- 



60 JOURNAL OF [1799 

pointed by the yearly meeting to present a remonstrance 
and petition on behalf of the oppressed Africans ; after 
which I continued about home, almost continually co- 
vered with gloom, temptations, inward exercise and tri- 
bulation, until I almost loathed myself and all around 
me, and this both in meetings and out of meetings, so 
that my faith has well nigh failed me. Oh Lord, reach 
forth thine hand and preserve me, while I am endea- 
vouring to come unto thee on this sea of trouble, that 
my poor soul sink not in the depths thereof, that I may 
yet live to praise thee for the multitude of thy mercies ! 
Amen. 

Third month, sixteenth, 1799. At our monthly meet- 
ing, I have now, after passing through many deep bap- 
tisms, and sore conflicts of mind, resigned myself up to 
the prospect of visiting some parts of Europe, and this 
day laid my concern before the meeting. Several solid 
friends from other monthly meetings happened to be pre- 
sent, which I esteemed a favour: it was a memorable 
baptising season with friends, many in the meeting being 
melted into tenderness and tears. After this I felt my 
mind brought into a remarkable calmness and serenity, 
even beyond expression, and my burden much lighten- 
ed. 

In the fifth month, I attended the quarterly meeting 
at Western Branch in Virginia, as also their yearly 
meeting, held this year on the north side of James' Ri- 
ver, and returned home with peace of mind; praises 
and thanksgiving to Him who thus leadeth about and in- 
structed in the way of peace! — 1 staid mostly about 
home until the eighth month, when I attended the 
monthly meeting of Jack Swamp, and being under an 
appointment in our yearly meeting with some other 
friends, to visit our select members in their families, I 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. Gl 

attended to that appointment with another friend or two, 
in the counties of Northampton, Chowan and Perquim- 
mons, also attended our quarterly meeting at WelPs ; 
and having obtained a certificate from our monthly 
meeting, expressive of their unity and concurrence with 
me, in my concern to visit Europe, I laid the same be- 
fore the quarterly meeting, and obtained their endorse- 
ment to the same purport, with much unanimity and 
near sympathy, insomuch that it was an heart-tendering 
season, and tended much to my encouragement. 

In the latter end of the tenth month, I attended our 
yearly meeting, held this year at New Garden, where 1 
also revived my concern to visit Europe in the meeting 
of ministers and elders, and laid my certificates from 
the monthly and quarterly meetings before them, which 
obtained the attention and sympathy of the meeting in 
an affecting manner, so that after a time of solid delibera- 
tion, I was set at liberty with much brokenness and 
tears of near fellow feeling, for which my soul was bow- 
ed, and w r e worshipped together. Having obtained a 
certificate from this meeting, and attended the several 
sittings of the yearly meeting to satisfaction, I returned 
home, where I staid pretty much, except the attendance 
of our own meetings, until the eleventh month, when T 
was at our quarterly meeting at Piney Woods, and in 
the twelfth month attended the monthly meeting of 
Jack Swamp. 

First month, twenty-sixth, 1800. Having felt an en- 
gagement to visit some people not professing with us, 
in the upper part of this county and at Halifax, espe- 
cially among the higher classes and those in authority, 
and having liberty of our meeting so to do, accompanied 
by a member thereof, we visited General Allen Jones, 
in the upper part of this county, and had a public meet- 



62 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

ing near his house, which was large ; the people behaved 
soberly, and seemed glad of the opportunity ; the gene- 
ral and his wife were very kind and attentive to us, 
and his son-in-law, William R. Davie, being one of the 
ambassadors sent over at this time by our government, 
in order to negotiate a treaty with France, and the ge- 
neral knowing of my intention of going to Europe, gave 
me letters to the ambassador in case I should stand in 
need of his assistance, it being a time of war between 
England and France. I accepted his kindness, which 
] believe was providential, for a treaty was happily ne- 
gotiated between France and the United States, and 
these letters proved of singular service to me after- 
wards. 

We also went to Halifax, and lodged with one of the 
judges of the Supreme Court, who had married one 
of the generaPs daughters, and we found great openness 
and kind attention with them : we had a public meet- 
ing in the town, to which came a number of people of 
note, and among them the judge and his wife ; many 
seemed to be humbled, and a number broken into tears. 
After this highly favoured meeting, we dined w T ith the 
judge, after which we parted with them, and I returned 
home with the answer of solid peace. 

Soon after this, John Hall from England, who, with 
his companion, was on a religious visit southward, came 
to our house, and tarried to rest a few days, and be at 
our monthly meeting : this was time very agreeably, 
and I trust not unprofitably spent; it indeed proved 
very strengthening and encouraging to my dear wife, 
who was so soon to part with me for so long a journey. 

Having been favoured, as I apprehended, to see the 
right time for my setting out, it was fixed to be on the 
twentieth of second month, and the solemn time arrived 



J 800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 63 

only about two days after we parted with these dear 
friends : it was a memorable day ; a number of my friends 
and neighbours came to seeme, and take their leave, and 
after a religious opportunity together, I took my solemn 
leave of them, and set out on my journey, being accom- 
panied by my dear wife, and several of our friends, as 
far as the Western Branch, in Virginia, which is about 
sixty miles. Here we attended their monthly meeting 
on the twenty-second, w 7 hich was a time of favour, 
though the testimony went forth in a close, searching 
manner ; we also attended their meeting on first-day : 
and then I went to visit some of my relations, and staid 
to their meeting on fourth-day, my dear wife being still 
with me, and also some other friends, who came with 
us from home on a visit to their relations in these parts. 
The weather being very rainy and snowy, we con- 
tinued about the Branch until seventh-day, first of third 
month, when we went to Robert Jordan's at Suffolk, 
and the same evening to Summerton ; attended their 
meeting next day, and on third-day, the fourth, after a 
solid opportunity with a number of friends who came 
to see us, I took a solemn and affectionate leave of my 
dear wife, and of other friends who were present, and 
got on to Black Water that evening, where we attend- 
ed their week day meeting next day, and the day fol- 
lowing, not feeling easy without appointing a meeting 
at the same place, we attended it, and then feeling clear 
we went on to Burleigh. Crossed James' River, and 
were at Curies meeting next day, and on second-day, 
tenth, got to Richmond, and visited a few families there; 
then took meetings at Cedar Creek, South Land, Goose 
Creek, and so on to the quarterly meeting at Fairfax, 
where we met our friend Daniel Haviland, from New 
York state, who had been on a religious visit to the 



64 JOURNAL OP [1800. 

southward. This was a very laborious, exercising 
meeting to me, but I was favoured to leave it in a good 
degree relieved, and I hope clear of the place. Our 
next meetings were Bush Creek, Pipe Creek, Monallen, 
Huntingdon, Warrington, Newberry, and so to York- 
town in Pennsylvania, where we attended two meet- 
ings on first-day ; staid their preparative meeting on 
fourth-day, and rode about ten miles that evening. 
Crossed the Susquehanna at Wright's ferry, and had a 
little meeting in Columbia ; from thence we took meet- 
ings at Lancaster, Lampeter, Sadsbury, East Cain, a 
monthly meeting at Uwchlan, and another at Goshen, 
and on first-day, the thirteenth of fourth month, we at- 
tended a meeting at Springfield, and reached Philadel- 
phia the same evening. 

Although I have generally made but short notes in 
this journey hitherto, yet I may now remark that not- 
withstanding some highly favoured seasons have been 
witnessed in the course thereof, many others have been 
attended with much exercise, deep suffering and inward 
travail of spirit, and sometimes almost discouragement, 
so that I have been ready to compare myself to Noah's 
dove that found no rest to the sole of her foot. 

Second-day, fourteenth : attended the morning meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, which was rather alow time ; 
third-day, was at the week-day meeting at the North 
meeting-house which was an highly favoured season : I 
also attended several other meetings this week in which 
I was silent, except a youth's meeting on sixth-day even- 
ing. 

The Yearly Meeting of ministers and elders for Penn- 
sylvania, New Jersey, &c. began on seventh-day, which 
I thought was the largest of the kind 1 ever attended, 
but it was rather a low time, may it tend to deepen us, 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 65 

and may the Lord draw near to us in all the further sit- 
tings of this annual assembly to the comfort of our souls 
and to the exaltation of his great name. The public 
meetings for worship on first-day at Market street and 
North meeting-houses, were very large ; the meeting 
for discipline began on second-day, the twenty-first, and 
continued by adjournments until sixth-day evening : it 
was very large and many weighty and interesting sub- 
jects were deliberated on, and although some of the sit- 
tings were not so lively as could have been desired, yet 
it was on the whole a time of favour, and concluded 
with great solemnity. I was glad that I was there, as it 
was a time of deep instruction to me, though I did not 
open my mouth in any of the sittings, until the last day 
and then but a very few sentences ; I was considerably 
opened in one or two of the sittings of the meeting of 
ministers and elders, I believe to the general satisfaction 
of friends, and much to the relief of my own mind. 
First-day, the twenty-seventh, attended a meeting at 
Darby seven miles from this city, after which I returned 
to the city and being much fatigued and somewhat un- 
well, I concluded to rest a few dajs in order to re- 
cruit; accordingly went into the country with Nicholas 
Wain, to take a little fresh air ; afterwards returned to 
the city and attended meetings in course. 

Sixth-day, eighth of fifth month. Having been pretty 
constantly employed in attending meetings as they came 
in course, and the Quarterly meeting in the city being 
also now over, and no way opening for me to take my 
passage from this port, I went with Samuel Smith to 
Bucks county about twenty -two miles : we visited se- 
veral families of friends in that county to satisfaction, 
attended a meeting at Byberry on first-day morning, 
and returned to the city the same evening. Seventh- 

F 2 



G6 -JOURNAL OF [1800. 

day, seventeenth : went in company with several friends, 
to pay a visit to the President of the United States and 
had a religious opportunity with him and his wife, which 
was a time of favour and they expressed their satisfac- 
tion therewith, and thanked us for the visit. 

First-day, the eighteenth: attended Market street 
meeting in the morning, and in the afternoon had a meet- 
ing in the state-prison with the convicts ; three of them 
were under sentence of death for treason and insurrec- 
tion, who were also brought into the meeting ; the tes- 
timony and doctrines of Truth went forth freely amongst 
them, and a number were reached and some affected 
under the power thereof: the three poor criminals afore- 
mentioned appeared very sober and attentive ; the meet- 
ing concluded much to our satisfaction. 

Second-day, attended the morning meeting of minis- 
ters and elders which was a blessed opportunity, and 
the same afternoon I took my leave of friends here, and 
set out for New York, being accompanied by my valued 
friend John Parrish, who was going on to attend the 
Yearly Meeting there. We went pretty directly on, 
taking only the monthly meeting at Rahway in our way, 
and got to New York on sixth-day, the twenty-third : 
Samuel Smith of Philadelphia having obtained certifi- 
cates in order to visit Ireland and some other parts on 
the other side of the Atlantic, we concluded to take our 
passage from this port if way opened for it ; and in or- 
der thereto, some friends here had been applied to, to 
endeavour to find a suitable ship for our purpose, which 
they had done and agreed for conditionally ; with which 
we were well satisfied and confirmed it, after we had been 
on board; though she was to sail so soon that we were 
doubtful whether it would afford us an opportunity of 
attending the yearly meeting. On seventh-day, the 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 67 

twenty-fourth, the meeting of ministers and elders be- 
gan, and on second-day, the meeting for business, which 
continued by adjournments until second-day, the second 
of sixth month, which on the whole, I think was the 
most solid yearly meeting I ever attended, which was 
cause of humble thankfulness to many. We were fa- 
voured to attend these precious opportunities, until the 
last day of the yearly meeting just as it was sitting down, 
we were ordered on board. We directly went into both 
apartments, men's and women's, and took our leave of 
our dear friends publicly, which was a very affecting 
moment, a number withdrew and came after us, in or- 
der to see us embark ; it was the ship Warren of New 
Bedford, of about three hundred tons burthen, Jonathan 
Parker, master. When we got to the wharf she was 
under way and we had to pursue her several miles by 
boat, but at length we got safely onboard and bid adieu 
to our dear friends ; but the wind soon shifting to the 
eastward, and the tide also making against us, we came 
to anchor near Sandy Hook \Wthin sight of New York, 
where we laid that night. In the evening just as we 
were preparing to go to bed, two young friends came 
from the city, and brought the agreeable news of the 
yearly meeting's making a peaceful conclusion that af- 
ternoon, which we were glad to hear, our minds being 
much with them ; and this gave us another opportunity 
of letting our friends know how we were, and of sending 
some of them fresh tokens of regard. 

Third-day, third, early in the morning they weighed 
anchor and put the ship under way ; we have a fine 
breeze, the ship sails well, and we are fast bidding adieu 
to our American shores, I feel thankful in heart for the 
continuation of a quiet, peaceful mind. We have the 
company of our friend Gervase Johnson, and three other 



68 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

cabin passengers ; held meetings in the cabin every first- 
day to satisfaction, and on the whole, had a fine passage 
of thirty days, when we landed safely in Liverpool, glad 
and thankful in heart for our preservation and the pri- 
vilege of setting our feet once more on firm ground. 
We were met at the dock by our kind friend Robert 
Benson, who took us to his house, where we were af- 
fectionately entertained by him and his dear wife, who 
is a sweet spirited woman. 

And now I can hardly help remarking a little on my 
feelings in first landing in this country, so much boasted 
of for freedom, insomuch that if a man of any nation, or 
colour whatever, land on its shores, he breathes free 
air; but alas! the number of ships we had met going 
hence to Africa for slaves, and others of the same des- 
cription which we now saw laying here, employed in 
that abominable and inhuman traffic, was so great, that 
when my foot first trod on English ground, the thick 
darkness and distress that covered my mind were be- 
yond description. I ware afterwards told that the En- 
glish have about two hundred ships employed in that 
trade, chiefly from this port ; from this trade many draw 
their great riches and live in pride and luxury, making 
their boast of living in a free country, while thousands of 
their fellow creatures are groaning under the iron hand of 
oppression through their means, and all this, it seems, is 
sanctioned by this free government, and even in its own 
territories abroad. Alas ! will God^s justice sleep for- 
ever? Surely nay, but the measure of their iniquity 
must be filled, and then his judgment will be poured 
out upon them, and on all the nations that have long 
wrought abominations before him ! 

The next day after we landed being fifth-day, the third 
of seventh month, we attended friends 1 week-day meet- 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 69 

ing in this town, which was a blessed time, wherein the 
wrestling seed of Jacob was raised into dominion, and 
my soul was enlarged in his love and power both in tes- 
timony and supplication, and many souls with mine, 
bowed and worshipped him who is Lord over all 
blessed forevermore. 

Sixth-day, Samuel Smith and myself being both un- 
well, staid at our lodgings ; seventh-day being a little 
recruited, we visited some of our friends, and on first- 
day in the morning, 1 was so unwell that I did not go to 
meeting, in the afternoon feeling better attended, and 
although Truth did not arise so much into dominion as 
when I was first there, yet on the whole it was a time 
of favour, and I believed of renewed visitation to some. 

Second-day, seventh, we set out on our journey to- 
wards Scotland, going by the way of Ormskirk and 
Preston, and so to Lancaster, about fifty-four miles from 
Liverpool. Third-day, we attended a monthly meeting 
in the afternoon at this place, and their select quarterly 
meeting for Lancashire the same evening, both fa- 
voured opportunities. Next day we attended the quar- 
terly meeting for business at the same place, which was 
a day not soon to be forgotten ; here were several 
friends from London and other parts, and we were 
sweetly comforted together in the Lord and one in an- 
other, and many souls bowed and worshipped him, 
who is worthy forever and ever. Fifth-day, tenth, we 
attended their week-day meeting here, which was also 
a crowned meeting, a number of Friends from a dis- 
tance being present. Having landed in this country in 
a very low tried situation, I have great cause of humble 
thankfulness and gratitude to my gracious Lord and 
master, who hath not forsaken or left me in this strange 
land, but has been pleased to draw near in mercy and 



70 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

magnify his own cause, which he sent me over the 
mighty deep to espouse, giving me a place also in the 
minds of sympathising friends, blessed be his holy name 
forever. 

"We had a comfortable meeting at Yelland with 
friends and a few others on sixth-day, and got to Kendal 
the same afternoon, where we staid until first-day and 
attended two meetings of friends which were on the 
whole opportunities of favour, especially that in the 
morning ; but not feeling quite clear to leave this place 
yet, we visited a few families of friends and staid their 
meeting on third-day, which was to our satisfaction. 
Our next meetings were Terrill, Penrith where we had 
also a public meeting, Moreland, Carlisle, Cornwood, a 
monthly meeting and a public meeting at Alstone, Al- 
londale, Darwin, and so to New Castle upon Tyne : 
some of these last mentioned meetings were dull and 
laborious, wherein Truth did not arise into much domi- 
nion, but others were open and much to our satisfaction. 
These northern parts of England are very bare of wood, 
the country very broken and romantic, and in some places 
barren, but well cultivated where it is tit for tillage ; I 
was not a little surprised to see so much land in England 
lying untilled, for notwithstanding the vast population 
of this little island, it is said that nearly one fourth part 
of the lands in the kingdom are uncultivated, yet in 
times of peace they have plenty and to spare. 

On entering New Castle my mind was covered with 
rather uncommon oppression and discouragement : we 
had the company of Mary Stacey of London, who was 
a daughter of that eminent minister of the gospel Rachel 
Wilson, and her companion Sarah Lynesfrom the same 
place, who had been mostly with us since we left Lan- 
caster. Twenty-seventh, attended the fore and after- 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 71 

noon meetings of friends here : 1 laboured a little in the 
morning, but the cloud soon returned upon me, and so 
I remained both in public and private, with very little 
intervening light; so that I kept myself as much retired 
from company as I well could ; Lord, look down in 
mercy upon me. Meeting with our dear friend John 
Wigham at this place, on his way home from the yearly 
meeting, he concluded to pilot us to Edinburgh. 

Third-day, twenty-ninth, set off for Edinburgh by the 
way of Morpeth, Weldon, Whittingham, Wolverhaugh- 
head, Cornhill, Greenlow, Blackshield, and so to Edin- 
burgh, about one hundred and six miles from New 
Castle. We arrived at this place on sixth-day, first of 
eighth month, and on seventh-day rested and wrote: the 
country from New Castle is more level than we had 
travelled through before, better timbered, and to us ap- 
peared better as to its quality, except that nearer Edin- 
burgh where there are a great many coal-pits, and the 
country has a more dreary appearance ; however, my 
business is not to remark much on the soil and produce 
of the countries through which I pass, but more parti- 
cularly on the religious, civil and moral character of 
the people. 

First-day, third, we attended two meetings of friends 
here, in both of which we were enlarged in the love of 
the gospel, greatly to our own comfort, and to the com- 
fort and satisfaction of friends. On third-day, we took 
post chaise and went to Glasgow, and attended a meet- 
ing there : although there are not many under our 
name in this place at present, yet the principles of 
Friends seem to be gaining ground, and we understand 
that a number frequently come and sit down with 
friends, in theirfsilent meetings ; indeed my heart felt en- 
larged towards the people as we walked the streets. 



72 JOURNAL OF [1800* 

We returned to Edinburgh and attended their two 
meetings on first-day again, which were solid, good 
meetings, especially the last. Second-day, we went on 
to the north by way of Kimross, and on third-day 
had a meeting in a pretty large town called Perth, 
where are only two members of our society at present 
residing, but a number of sober people attended, and it 
was a heart-tendering time ; blessed be the Lord who 
was with us, and gave us to rejoice in the renewed of- 
fers of his salvation. There was one called a clergy- 
man at the meeting, who behaved in a solid manner, 
and at the conclusion came and took his leave of us, 
wishing us well, and praying that every blessing might 
attend us. 

Fourth-day, thirteenth, went to Dundee, and had a 
meeting there in the afternoon, and on fifth-day pro- 
ceeded by the way of Arbroth, Montross, Bervy, and so 
to Stone Haven, where we lodged. Just by this last 
place is Ury, the seat of Robert Barclay, the Apologist ; 
the present proprietor, the great grand son of the Apo- 
logist, now resides there, but makes no profession with 
Friends. Seventh-day, sixteenth, we rode to Aberdeen, 
and on first-day attended two meetings there, at both of 
which we had a number of the town's people with us, 
amongst whom were some soldiers, who behaved well, 
and seemed to be humbled under Truth's testimony, 
one of them especially was broken into tears; these 
were both pretty solid, good meetings. Next day we 
rode to a place called Balhalgardy, and on fourth-day 
got to Old Meldrum, and attended the week day meet- 
ing of Friends there, and feeling our minds drawn to- 
wards the town's people, we appointed a meeting for 
them in the evening, to which many of them came, and 
behaved in an orderly manner, while many gospel 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 73 

truths were freely declared to them, and I hope some 
were profited thereby. 

Fifth-day, twenty-first. We attended a monthly meet- 
ing at Kinmuck, which was a highly favoured season ; 
dear Elizabeth Wigham, wife of John, obtained a cer- 
tificate to visit Ireland: thus the messengers are run- 
ning to and fro, may true knowledge be increased. My 
companion, Samuel Smith, having a desire to return to 
Old Meldrum on first-day, I accompanied him, and we 
attended two meetings there again, to which, especially 
the last, came many of the town's people, to whom my 
companion had considerable communication, but I was 
silent in both meetings. Second-day, twenty-fifth, in 
the morning we had a meeting at Kinmuck, where I 
was still shut up ; in the afternoon was held the select 
half year's meeting at the same place, which through the 
renewed extendings of Holy help, was a season of com- 
fort and refreshment to my poor soul; blessed be the 
Lord. Next day was held the half year's meeting for 
business, which, on the whole, was a time of refresh- 
ment and comfort to many minds. We went in the af- 
ternoon to visit a sick friend, had a precious opportuni- 
ty in the family, and returned to Kinmuck. 

Fourth-day, twenty-seventh, we set our faces to- 
wards Edinburgh again, and got as far as Stone Haven 
to lodge, and next morning went to see Robert Barclay 
at Ury : he had three sisters with him, one of whom 
had lately married ; her husband and a young clergy- 
man who had been tutor to some of the children, were 
also present. They received us very kindly, we break- 
fasted with them, and after walking awhile in the gar- 
den, which is beautifully situated on a lively running 
stream of water, and cultivated in great perfection, we 
returned to the house, which is said to be the same that 

G 



74 JOURNAL OP [1800. 

the Apologist lived in. It is a large stone building, in 
which still remains the study in which the Apology was 
written, which is now a library. After we had viewed 
various parts of that ancient good man's relics, we pro- 
posed a religious opportunity with these young people, 
who had neither father nor mother living, which they 
acceeded to ; it was much to the relief of my mind, and 
I hope will be remembered to profit, by most, if not all 
of them. Robert, and his brother-in-law, walked with 
us near a mile, and seemed loth to part with us, taking 
their leave in a very affectionate manner. Oh, may the 
lives and testimonies of those eminent instruments, and 
faithful servants of God, in their day, like " the blood of 
righteous Abel, though dead, yet continue so to speak" 
to after generations, and to their own posterity in par- 
ticular, that they may be stirred up to follow them as 
they followed Christ. 

Being thus clear, we passed on to Montross, where 
we had a religious opportunity with an ancient woman 
friend, and her daughter, who are the only persons un- 
der our name residing there. Next day w r e got to Dun- 
dee, and lodged at a friend's house ; he was not at home, 
and his wife not being a member of Society, was very 
averse to her husband's joining Friends, yet she would 
not let us stay at an inn, but came and had us away to 
their house, saying, that though she was not one with 
us in outward profession, she loved them that loved the 
truth, and believed us to be such. She seemed getting 
more reconciled to her husband's change ; we thought 
her an honest-hearted woman, willing to be instructed, 
so recommending her to the Lord, we departed. 

On seventh-day, the thirtieth, we got to Perth, and 
next day attended Friends' little meeting in the morn- 
ing, and in the afternoon had a public meeting in a large 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 75 

building called Guildhall, but there came such an abun- 
dance of people, that the hall could not hold them by 
perhaps, many hundreds, so that they were crowded in 
the street, and in the court round about the hall. All 
seemed so unsettled and confused, that my mind was 
very much tried, but being exercised for their everlast- 
ing good, I pretty soon stood up ; they became still and 
solid, and a door was opened to preach the gospel pret- 
ty largely to this great concourse, I believe to general 
satisfaction : the meeting concluded with fervent pray.- 
er, and the people withdrew with great solemnity. I 
believe it was a memorable time to some of them; may 
the Lord help them — and I hope he will — but it must 
be in his own time, and not in theirs. I may now re- 
mark, that in passing along through Scotland, it has not 
felt so dark and distressing to my mind, as in many other 
places ; it has seemed to me that there are many pre- 
cious souls, who are secretly enquiring the way to the 
Zion of rest ; but oh for those pastors and teachers, who 
keep them as it were in the outward court, and instruct 
them to look for this rest in something without them, 
even in their ceremonies and ordinances. But how can 
it be otherwise, when they themselves have come no 
further, but are still framing ordinances out of the scrip- 
tures, without the spirit, and without the life. Oh, what 
running to and fro, to find this rest; what divisions in 
their churches, so called ; yea, divisions and subdivi- 
sions, and none seem to be yet settled. How my soul 
felt for them ! and I was not a little confirmed in my 
mind that a door would be opened, yea, was already 
opened, for the true messengers of the gospel to labour 
profitably in that country, if they do but travail deep 
enough in the spirit and in the life, Vhich it is the ear- 



76 JOURNAL OF [ 1 800. 

nest solicitude of my soul may be the case there, and 
wherever it may please the Lord to send them. 

We got to Edinburgh on third-day, and attended their 
week day meeting on fifth-day, which was a time of fa- 
vour ; in the afternoon visited some friends in their fa- 
milies, to satisfaction : sixth-day I was unwell, having 
taken considerable cold, but got out with my compan- 
ion to two families, at the last of which 1 was taken ill, 
and did not get away until seventh-day evening, when 1 
went back to our lodgings, where I still continued so 
unwell, that I was not able to attend either of the meet- 
ings on first-day, though my companion attended both. 

Fourth-day. After being favoured with a precious, 
heart-tendering opportunity, in the family where we 
lodged, and with a number of other friends who came 
to take leave of us, we parted from them in much near 
affection, and set out for Carlisle by the way of Selkirk 
and Hawick. At this place we went to see a friendly 
man, who appeared to be convinced of our principles, 
and had a religious opportunity with him and his wife, 
to satisfaction. We had no meeting until we reached 
Carlisle, where we arrived on seventh-day, and on first- 
day morning attended a meeting with friends there, to 
which came many of the towns-people, and in the af- 
ternoon we had a pretty large meeting at Scotby, three 
miles from Carlisle, both of which were solid opportu- 
nities. We visited several families of friends at this 
place, and next day returned to Carlisle, and from 
thence took the following meetings : viz. Moorehouse, 
Wigton, Beckfoot, Allonby, and a monthly and select 
meeting at Maryport, most of which were times of deep 
and laborious exercise. 

From Maryport we went to Broughton, and lodged 
at the house of our friend John Hall, who at this time 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 77 

was on a religious visit in America : we were pleased 
to find his dear wife and children enjoying good health 
and cheerful resignation in his absence. On first-day 
we attended their two meetings, and in the evening had 
a very precious opportunity with this family, and seve- 
ral other friends who came in. After this we took 
meetings at the following places: viz. Graysouthen, 
Pardshaw Hall, a quarterly meeting at Cockermouth, 
and a public meeting at the same place, and from thence 
we went to White Haven ; these last meetings were 
mostly to satisfaction. We attended the meetings at 
Whitehaven on first-day : I was silent in the morning, 
and feeling my mind drawn towards the town's people, 
we had a public meeting in the afternoon, which was 
very large, and the doctrines of the gospel were pretty 
largely opened to them, and they seemed to pay great 
attention; the meeting concluded to satisfaction, and 
we went on our way rejoicing. Next day, visited a 
few families ; the day following, went to Cockermouth, 
and from thence to Kendal, and attended the quarterly 
meeting, which was a very exercising time to me. After 
this meeting was over, I felt considerably unwell, and 
laid by for a day or two, but got so as to attend meet- 
ings on first-day again, in both of which I was silent. 
Next day, being the sixth of tenth month, we went to 
Lancaster, and the day following to Preston, where we 
attended their little week day meeting on fourth-day, 
which was a very searching time among the few, but 
some of them were humbled and contrited before the 
Lord, having their states opened and set before them in 
the authority of Truth. We lodged with some young 
people whose parents were deceased ; they appeared 
hopeful, and we had a precious opportunity with them. 
Fifth-day, nineteenth. Went to Bolton, and had a 
G 2 



78 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

meeting there next day, to our comfort and rejoicing : 
went to Manchester in the afternoon, and on first-day, 
twelfth, attended their two meetings, which were large, 
but a deep, exercising, suffering time, it was to me ; in- 
deed both of us had something to say near the conclu- 
sion of the last meeting, which was rather particular, 
but there seemed to us little room to receive it ; and 
thus it is, if we who make so high a profession in reli- 
gion above others, unhappily settle down in the form, 
without the life, we become more benumbed, dead, 
and hard to reach, than any other people : we left them 
with heavy hearts, and in the evening a considerable 
number of friends coming in to see us, particularly of 
the younger class, we were favoured with a good op- 
portunity together, which afforded some relief to our 
exercised minds. 

We went from thence to Warrington, where that em- 
inent minister of the gospel, Samuel Fothergill, in his 
time, resided ; and on third-day, the fourteenth, we at- 
tended that meeting, which, at our first sitting down, I 
hoped would prove a watering season, but alas, the 
scene soon changed, and I was let down into such a 
state of suffering and distress, that it seemed as though 
I was brought to the gates of death, and hell seemed 
ready to triumph ; yet, blessed be the Lord, as I endea- 
voured to trust in him, and patiently wait for his help, 
I was raised up again in his power, to declare the ever- 
lasting Truth in a close, searching manner. Oh, sure- 
ly, the time is approaching, when the sinners even in 
Zion will be made afraid, and tearfulness will surprise 
the hypocrites ; may they be aroused and stirred up, 
now, while the day of mercy is still offered; but alas, 
many in some places seem settled down at ease, con- 
tented with the name, without the thing itself; and at 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 79 

the same time are so insensible of their situation, that 
they can almost bid defiance to the testimony of Truth, 
because they do not apprehend that it can belong to 
them. Notwithstanding our close, searching labour in 
this meeting, the word of consolation was imparted to 
a few tender-spirited souls, particularly of the younger 
class, who appeared to be under a concern, on account 
of the low state of things amongst them ; may the Lord 
help them. 

Fourth-day, fifteenth, got to Liverpool ; on fifth-day 
attended their week day meeting, on sixth-day a burial, 
and on first-day were at their meetings in course; most 
of which were exercising seasons, yet on the whole 
they were gotten through with a good degree of relief 
to our poor tried minds, so that we left them pretty 
easy and quiet, for which we were thankful. We had 
a solid opportunity in the evening with the family 
where we lodged, and the day closed peacefully. 

Second-day, the twentieth. Samuel Smith having ex- 
pressed a prospect of going towards London, and my 
way seeming pretty clear for Ireland, it became a close 
trial to us both, having been favoured to travel together 
most of the time since we landed, in the fellowship of 
the gospel, but as each of us endeavoured to keep close 
to our own prospects, we become resigned to our se- 
paration, believing it to be for the work's sake, and not 
in our own wills; therefore, after calling a number of 
our friends together, in order to let them know the 
ground of our separation, I concluded to embark for 
Ireland by the first opportunity ; but the wind being at 
this time unfavourable, I staid here until fifth-day, and 
attended their week day meeting again, when there was 
another burial, and the opportunity was pretty open 
and satisfactory. 



80 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

Sixth-day, twenty -fourth. The wind being still un- 
favourable for sailing out of this port, a young man 
friend from this place agreeing to accompany me to 
Dublin, we took a boat and sailed up the river Mercy, 
about ten or twelve miles to a canal, where we got into 
a canal boat and proceeded to Chester, the county town 
of Cheshire, and put up at an inn with very civil peo- 
ple. The passengers in the boat w r ere generally very 
respectful to us, though none of them were professors 
with us ; several who lived in Wales, a considerable 
distance from this place, came next morning to take 
leave of us. There are so few under our name in this 
place, that Friends are not much known : it is a large 
walled town, and commands a prospect of a most de- 
lightful and well cultivated country around it, and is 
noted for the ancient structure of the buildings, and its 
large fairs. 

First-day, twenty-sixth. Attended the little meeting 
of friends in the forenoon, to which came a few not 
professing with us ; and in the afternoon we had a pub- 
lic meeting, which a number of the upper class attend- 
ed, among whom w T as an officer in the army. The 
people behaved with becoming solidity, and we had a 
blessed meeting, wherein the Lord's living power reign- 
ed over all, and his great name was praised to the hum- 
ble rejoicing of many hearts. After this blessed meet- 
ing w T e retired to our inn, a number of friends came and 
supped with us, and having invited the people there, 
(w r hich was my principal object,) they were very ready 
to come and sit down with us, and a precious religious 
opportunity we had together, which I was induced to 
believe was a fresh visitation to some of them, particu- 
larly the inn keeper and his wife, who were a couple of 
goodly young people ; they expressed their regret at 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 81 

oar leaving them so soon, but we being engaged, took 
our seats in the mail coach about one o'clock in the 
morning, and arrived at Holyhead about six in the even- 
ing, the distance being upwards of ninety miles, through 
a very rough and mountainous country. 

The inn being full when we arrived, we were under 
the necessity of getting private lodgings, which we did 
not obtain without considerable imposition. Being 
weary we slept well, and next morning, the twenty- 
eighth, arose early and got on board the packet, but it 
was rainy and boisterous; we soon got under sail, and 
had scarcely cleared the Head, when the wind set in 
against us, so that we were beating about for two days 
and nights before we reached Dublin, though it had 
been run, we were told, in eight hours. This proved 
not only a rough and tedious, but also disagreeable pas- 
sage, there being so many passengers on board before us 
that w r e got no bed, and the passengers were all sea-sick 
except myself, and I think, one more ; but all these try- 
ing circumstances, together with that of having the com- 
pany of some dark, wicked spirits on board, were made 
tolerable to me, through the blessed prevalency of a 
quiet and easy mind, so that my soul praised the Lord 
for his preservation through all these difficulties and 
dangers. 

On fifth-day about eight o'clock in the morning, we 
landed in Dublin, and were conducted to the house of 
a young friend, w 7 ho received us kindly and gave us 
some refreshment, and at our request took us to the 
house of his father, Joseph Williams. Being now set 
down, without a companion, in this great metropolis, 
w r here there are by computation upwards of four hun- 
dred thousand souls, and not one inhabitant whose face 
I have ever seen before, to my knowledge, the cause I 



82 JOURNAL OF [1800. 

came to espouse, feels precious ; O Lord, preserve me. 
Sixth-day being the time of holding one of their week- 
day meetings in the city, I attended it, though pretty 
much cast down in my mind, in consequence ofmy 
situation ; but it proved a time of favour beyond my ex- 
pectation. I had not much to say in testimony, yet was 
favoured with some precious impressions, and this lan- 
guage was sweetly uppermost in my mind, " the king- 
dom stands not in word but in power," and 1 trust this 
meeting concluded under a humbling sense of the re- 
newing of this power in many minds. I soon returned 
to my lodgings, notwithstanding many kind invitations, 
but I want to feel my w 7 ay clear, before I go much 
abroad; therefore O, my God, be thou pleased to be 
near me by thy blessed power and keep me on that foun- 
dation, against which all storms and tempests beat in 
vain, and upon which alone, thy people can truly re- 
joice in thy salvation. Amen. 

I staid in and about Dublin nearly three weeks, con- 
stantly attending meetings as they came in course, which 
was three times a week, but had no opening to appoint 
any public meeting. I visited a poor school, consisting 
of about two hundred children, and had a religious op- 
portunity with them to satisfaction, which'also appeared 
to be well received by their teachers. I also visited se- 
veral friends in their families, attended the burial of a 
friend, and was at one of their monthly meetings; and 
feeling my mind clear of Dublin for the present, I may 
say with heartfelt thankfulness and gratitude to my God, 
I leave friends here in love, there appearing among them 
a general openness to receive me and the testimony 
given me to bear, notwithstanding some unhappy divi- 
sions had gotten in among them, to the great grief of 
the right-minded. 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 83 

Having prepared myself to travel on horseback I set 
out from Dublin, the nineteenth of the eleventh month, 
and took my journey into the north of the nation. The 
first meeting T came to was Rathfriland about fifty- 
seven Irish miles from Dublin, where I had a public 
meeting, many of the town-people came in, and it was 
to pretty good satisfaction. The next meetings I took, 
were Lurgan, Hillsborough, Milecross, Belfast, Ballin- 
derry, Lisburn, and back to the quarterly meeting at 
Lurgan, for the province of Ulster, which was held on 
the eighth of the twelfth month. I had considerable 
satisfaction in most of these last mentioned meetings, 
especially in a large public meeting at Lisburn to which 
came many officers and soldiers. I think I never saw 
so many people of this description at a meeting before: 
they behaved in a solid and becoming manner, and the 
people generally seemed satisfied ; several of the officers 
stopped at the conclusion of the meeting to take me by 
the hand, which they did in a respectful manner, and 
I believed many of them were sensible of the favours of 
that evening. 

After the quarterly meeting was over, I took meet- 
ings at Moyallen, Antrim, Grange, Colerain, Charle- 
mount, Richhill, Coothill, Edenderry, Rathangan, and 
so to the quarterly meeting at Carlow for the province 
ofLeinster, which was held the twenty-ninth of twelfth 
month: in most of these meetings, the testimony went 
forth with clearness and good authority, much to the 
relief of my mind. O, it is of the Lord's mercy and 
goodness to his poor ambassadors, yea and the power 
of his love both secretly and openly manifested in and 
through them, that they are thus supported and carried 
through perils by sea and perils by land, yea, and perils 
among false brethren : blessed be his name forever, 



84 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

which is a strong tower in the day of trouble for all his 
faithful, dependent children. O may I find access to it 
in every dispensation, that so I may be enabled to hold 
out through every future storm and tempest, peril and 
danger, of whatsoever kind he may be pleased to order 
or permit, even unto the end. Amen. 

The next meetings I attended, were, Kilconner, and 
back to Carlow, and had a public meeting there and 
then to Ballitore, Athy and Mountmellick. First-day, 
eleventh of first month, 1801, I attended the fore and 
afternoon meetings of friends at Mountmellick for the 
first time ; they were large, there being two private 
boarding schools of Friends in this town, also many of 
the inhabitants are friends. On my first sitting down 
among so many good looking friends, I hoped the tide 
of gospel life and power would have arisen amongst us 
to our comfort and rejoicing ; but alas, when we look 
outward, how often are our pleasant prospects blasted, 
and we disappointed in them. This was truly a labo- 
rious exercising meeting with very little relief; and in 
the afternoon, — O this afternoon, when shall I forget it ! 
verily it seemed for a considerable time as if death and 
hell triumphed, and the pains thereof had got hold of me; 
pains which I believed were not much unlike the mis- 
eries those souls endure which are forever separated 
from the presence of God ; so that I often cried out in 
my spirit, Lord have mercy on me ! what shall T do ! 
I expressed very little in testimony and sat down, and 
at length being clothed with the spirit of supplication, 
in as awful a degree as I almost ever experienced it, I 
was engaged to call publicly on God omnipotent, that 
he would be pleased to break the chains of death, the 
bands and fetters of hell, in the hearts of the people, and 
remember in mercy the poor souls that were laying un- 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 85 

der the altar, crying in the bitterness of their spirits un- 
to Him for help. This was the substance of the lan- 
guage with which I was awfully engaged to address the 
almighty Father in this congregation, and blessed be his 
ever adorable name, He was pleased to draw near, and by 
the arising of his own power caused the powers of dark- 
ness to tremble ; under an humbling sense whereof, my 
soul felt relief as I arose from my knees. For two nights 
before this, I got very little rest, walking in my room 
when all were asleep, crying to the Lord for help ; but 
praised be his goodness, this night I had good rest, yet 
being nearly tried, I see the need I have of crying daily 
to Him, for the support of his blessed arm under every 
dispensation, that so indeed, " neither heights nor depths, 
principalities nor powers, things present nor yet to come, 
may ever be able to separate me from his love which is 
in Christ Jesus our Lord ;" amen. 

I staid here until fourth-day, and attended meeting 
with them again, Elizabeth Wigham and her compan- 
ion also attended, and Truth was again exalted overall, 
to our humble rejoicing, and the great name was praised 
who alone is worthy forevermore. In the afternoon I 
set out in order to be at the quarterly meeting at Clon- 
mel, about fifty-two Irish miles from this place ; we at- 
tended one small meeting in the way at Brelnakil and 
then went to the aforesaid quarterly meeting, held for 
the province of Munster. This meeting was large, and 
I thought on the whole, the most solid quarterly meet- 
ing I have attended in this nation. The meeting for 
business was held on second-day, and a large parting 
meeting on third-day, which was a time long to be re- 
membered by me, and I humbly trust by many more 
present : my cup ran over and 1 wept tears of joy, re- 
joicing in God our Saviour, and the souls of many bow- 

H 



86 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

ed and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever. 
I visited several families of friends after this memorable 
meeting, and next day set out for Mountmellick again, 
where we arrived the day following, though it was very 
cold and snowy, but through all I am preserved in good 
health. Staid over their two meetings on first-day, and vi- 
sited the young women's boarding school to satisfaction, 
and this week went to Ballymurry, in the county of Con- 
naught, about forty-two Irish miles from Mountmellick, 
taking a meeting at Moat in my way ; had a meeting with 
friends and a few others at Ballymurry, and returned to 
Moat, and attended their two meetings on first-day, and 
visited a family or two in the evening. On second-day, 
rode to Tullamore, and had a meeting with a few friends 
there ; then returned again to Mountmellick, and at- 
tended their week-day meeting, which was large, and 
something was experienced like the precious evidence of 
victory over that spirit which so oppressed and bore 
down my soul when I was first at this place. Here are 
a few exercised sincere souls, with whom I was nearly 
united in their low and tried situation ; and the Lord who 
knoweth them that are his, gave us the victory, and we 
were made to rejoice together in his salvation ; blessed 
be his name forever. O, saith my soul, may these hold 
fast their confidence in Him, and not give way in the 
day of battle and sore conflict which must be their por- 
tion. 

I visited the provincial school for friends' children, 
and had a religious opportunity with them to satisfac- 
tion, and then leaving Mountmellick, I took meetings 
at Mountrath, Knock, Roscrea, Birr, and so to Limerick, 
most of which were favoured opportunities, except the 
last, which was a very hard, laborious time without 
much relief. It seemed to me as though the world had 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 87 

well nigh gotten the victory at this place : what exercis- 
ing meetings, what times of suffering, among a people so 
captivated, do those experience who are endeavouring 
to choose the Lord for their portion, and to have their 
minds centered on things above ; may I always be enabled 
to prefer Jerusalem to my chiefest joy in this world, and 
those things which endure forever to those which must 
soon pass away, and perish with the using. 

From Limerick I went to Cork about fifty-two miles, 
and having taken a cold on my lungs, I kept house pretty 
much for several days, though I attended meetings with 
friends, as they came in course, and once visited a little 
meeting at a place called Bandor, about fourteen miles 
off, and returned to Cork. And now I have freedom 
to mention, that my mind has been deeply baptised 
whilst in this large city, not only in religious exercise 
and labour, but also in the prospect of the suffering state 
of the poor. I had seen and felt it generally through 
the nation, but here it was more obvious. One night 
just after I went to bed, the town was alarmed with an 
apprehension that a mob was collecting; and several 
parties of soldiers were called out and sent in differ- 
ent directions, in order if possible, to prevent it. But 
all efforts of that kind proved in vain, for next morning 
it took place, and an awful scene it was to me ; being in 
my chamber, and hearing a great noise, I looked out at 
the window, and behold the street was darkened with 
multitudes of poor meagre looking creatures, with the 
marks of want and distress imprinted on their counte- 
nances, and as a token of their starving condition, they 
had a small loaf of wheat bread fixed on a staff, and just 
above it a piece of poor looking barley bread, dressed 
in black cloth, which hung down a little below it. This 
was surrounded by a company of poor, miserable look- 



88 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

ing women and children, who marched towards the 
Exchange and went to the mayor of the town. The 
general of the army then stationed in Cork, observing 
their motions, rushed on before them, and like a wise 
moderate man, advised the mayor to go out to meet 
them and speak kindly to them, and promise them some 
relief, and advise them to go quietly home; which he 
did, and it had the desired effect. But relief not coming 
that day; O what will not hunger drive men to! the 
next morning the same awful scene passed again before 
my eyes, only with a more formidable and desperate 
appearance, the general then drew out his troops, and 
stopped their march, while he ventured to ride in among 
th*em, and endeavoured to reason with them, and suc- 
ceeded in dispersing them without mischief. Measures 
being then immediately devised for their relief, they 
were afterwards quiet during my stay there : the num- 
ber of inhabitants in this city is said to be about one 
hundred and twenty thousand, and more than a fourth 
part of them were at this time in a state of want. 

From this place I went to Youghall and attended two 
meetings; thence to Garryroan, where I met Samuel 
Smith, who had lately arrived in this nation from En- 
gland. After a very exercising meeting we went to 
Clonmel, where we attended several meetings together, 
and also visited a number of families, all to pretty good 
satisfaction, indeed some of these opportunities were em- 
inently owned with the divine presence and power, in- 
somuch that the gospel tide seemed to overflow its banks, 
and cause almost a general watering ; blessed be the 
name of the Lord, who hath richly rewarded me for 
my second visit to this place : may it also tend to the 
benefit of the visited, but this I must leave in the hands 
of Him, who alone can give the increase, and return 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 39 

Him thanks for the evidence of peace in the labour. 
Amen. 

We went next to Anner Mills, and spent a day with 
Sarah Grubb and her school children, where a consider- 
able number of friends came in the afternoon to see us, 
and we were favoured with a precious heart-tendering 
opportunity together. Next day Samuel Smith and I 
parted again, he going towards Carlow, and 1 to Water- 
ford ; attended three meetings at this place, and visited 
some friends to satisfaction. From Waterford I took 
meetings at Ross, Forest, Cooladine, Enniscorthy, Bal- 
lentore, and so by Carlow, to the quarterly meeting at 
Mountmellick, where I again met Samuel Smith, and 
we attended the quarterly meeting together, which, on 
the whole, was a solid, instructive time : we also at- 
tended their week-day meeting and another at Mount- 
rath about eight miles off, which was a blessed water- 
ing opportunity to a number; we returned to Mount- 
mellick with joyful hearts. 

On second-day, seventh of fourth month, I set out in 
company with several other friends to attend the quar- 
terly meeting at Cork, about ninety Irish miles from this 
place, and Samuel Smith went towards the north; I had 
an agreeable journey, attended the quarterly meeting, 
which was a time of instruction, though very exercising 
for the most part, and returned directly back to Mount- 
mellick, with a peaceful mind: tarried there one night, 
and next day went to Rathangan, where I again met 
Samuel Smith, who had been detained there about a 
week with indisposition : we were glad to see each other 
again in a strange land. On first-day, I attended both 
their meetings here, and next day, Samuel being a little 
recruited, we took the canal boat and went by water 
to Dublin. Third-day, attended one of their meetings 

H 2 



90 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

in the city, and on fourth-day I went to Wicklow, about 
twenty-three miles, had a meeting with friends and a few 7 
others, and returned to Dublin, in order to attend the 
yearly meeting which began with a meeting of ministers 
and elders on seventh-day, twenty-fifth of fourth month, 
and on second-day the meeting for business opened, 
which held by adjournments, until third-day, the fourth 
of fifth month: and, notwithstanding it appears to be a 
low time with the Society in many places in this nation, 
insomuch that there is at present a great forsaking in 
the land, and even a time of treading down and tram- 
pling under foot many of the precious testimonies and 
privileges which our forefathers dearly purchased, and 
left us in the quiet possession of; yet blessed be the 
Hope of Israel, He was pleased to draw near in several 
of the sittings of this yearly meeting, and to evince by 
the exaltation of his truth and the power thereof, over 
all opposition, that he hath not forsaken nor forgotten 
to be gracious to the remnant of his people, yea, the 
remnant of this people, whom he gathered out from the 
lo-heres, and the lo-theres, and brought to sit down 
under his own immediate teaching. Blessed for ever 
be his great name, may his Israel now say. 

Feeling my mind now released from any further travel- 
ling or prospect of religious labour in this nation, I signi- 
fied the same to friends near the conclusion of this yearly 
meeting, and they accordingly gave me a certificate of 
unity with me in my religious labours amongst them : 
and on fourth-day, the fifth of fifth month, I took a sol- 
emn farewell of Ireland, and with Samuel Smith, his 
companion, and Mary Sterry from England, and seve- 
ral friends from this nation going over to the yearly 
meeting at London, went on board a small vessel called 
a cutter, and arrived at Holyhead the next day in the 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 91 

evening. Early the following morning we hired a coach 
and chaise, and set out for London, going by the way 
of Salop, Colebrookdale and Birmingham, at all which 
we attended meetings ; and arrived in London on the fif- 
teenth. I am now here, in this great city of London, 
comparing my situation to an empty purse, and as de- 
pendent as the sparrows that have neither storehouse 
nor barn ; Lord, thou feedestthem, 1 also endeavour to 
look unto thee for support; and I pray thee look down 
upon me, preserve and support me, if it be thy bless- 
ed will, that so 1 may be kept from dishonouring thy 
holy cause, wounding any of thy children, or making 
work for sorrow and repentance to my own soul ; that 
thus, through thy grace, O Lord, I may be enabled to 
honour thee in thought, word and deed, who art worthy 
forevermore. 

I took my lodgings with our friend Josiah Messer, 
who, with his wife and children were affectionately 
kind to me. On first-day, seventeenth, attended two 
meetings at Westminister, in both which I was silent; 
also in two sittings of the yearly meeting of ministers 
and elders on second-day at Grace Church Street. On 
third-day morning, the meeting of ministers and elders 
sat again, and in the afternoon a large meeting, for con- 
sidering the state of Ackworth school. 

The yearly meeting for discipline began on fourth- 
day, the twentieth, at Devonshire house, at the opening 
of which I had a little to communicate, and a precious 
covering spread over the assembly. This meeting was 
very large and continued by adjournments until the 
second of the sixth month, in the course of which, seve- 
ral important and interesting subjects were deliberated 
on, and we were favoured with many fresh evidences, 
that notwithstanding all the weaknesses and deficiencies 



92 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

prevalent amongst many of the members; as a society 
we are still owned by that ancient Goodness which first 
gathered us to be a people, and many were given re- 
newedly to rejoice in his saving help and to adopt the 
language, " what shall we render unto thee for all thy 
benefits.'" 

The next day after this large and solemn assembly 
concluded, the meeting of ministers and elders sat again, 
where it appeared that all the other American friends, 
four in number, now in this nation on religious visits, 
were clearing out in order to return to their respective 
homes, some of them having been here several years ; 
so that I am likely to be left as it were alone, in this 
strange land. A prospect which I had before leaving 
home, of.visiting some parts of the continent of Europe, 
now revived, and I expressed it in this meeting, with 
which it feelingly concurred, so that I know not yet 
how long I have to sojourn here, a poor lonely pilgrim. 
Be pleased, O Lord, to keep near and guide me in the 
right way. 

I continued in and about London until the middle of 
the seventh month, attended many meetings, some of 
which were very laborious and exercising, and others 
eminently favoured and owned by the divine power and 
presence, to the humble rejoicing of many. And now feel- 
ing my mind clear of London for the present, and hav- 
ing procured my passports for leaving this country, it 
being a time of war with France, and having the com- 
pany of two joungmen friends, going over to Germany 
on business, I left London the fifteenth of seventh month, 
and took postchaise for Yarmouth, about one hundred 
and twenty miles, where we arrived next day, and put 
up with a friend whose name is William Sewell, where 
we were kindly accommodated until the packet in which 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 93 

we were io embark, sailed for Hamburgh. Priscilla 
Gurney and her companion, whom I had seen in Lon- 
don, being now engaged in a visit to the families of 
friends in this place, and the packet not sailing until 
third-day, the twenty-first, I joined them in the visit on 
sixth and part of seventh-day, and attended two meet- 
ings on first-day, one of which was a public one ; all to 
good satisfaction. On second-day sat with them in a few 
more families, and very early on third-day morning we 
were ordered on board, but all the passengers did not 
get collected until nearly seven o'clock, there being a 
large number made up of different nations and tongues, 
among whom was the Prussian ambassador to the En- 
glish court; he and his wife were very agreeable per- 
sons, accommodating themselves to the passengers with 
much affability and respect. 

Besides these, there were Jews, Italian, German, 
French, English, and myself being an American, made 
the sixth nation : we soon got under sail and had a fine 
passage of about fifty-seven hours to Cuxhaven in Ger- 
many, one hundred leagues from Yarmouth; all the 
passengers were very civil and respectful. At Cux- 
haven we got pretty good accommodations at an inn, 
and next day several of us who were bound to Ham- 
burgh, hired a small vessel and had an agreeable sail 
up the river Elbe about seventy miles to Hamburgh, but 
as they did not permit any to pass through, or come 
within the gates of the city of Hamburgh, after nine 
o'clock at night, we were not in time for admission, and 
therefore lodged in a little town called Altona, about a 
mile below, where we were well accommodated at an 
English inn ; and on the following day hired a couple of 
men to carry our baggage, and went into Hamburg, 
where we put up also at an English inn. The Elbe, di- 



94 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

vides Holstein, belonging to the king of Denmark, on the 
north, and Hanover, belonging to the king of England, 
on the south. 

Finding no opening for religious service in Ham- 
burgh, 1 went to Altona, and spent a little time with 
Vander Smithson, a religious man who appeared to be 
convinced of our religious principles, and whose son, 
Gilbert V. Smithson, I had seen in Scotland about a 
year before. I then returned to Hamburg, and on fifth- 
day, the thirtieth, we took our journey towards Pyr- 
mont, travelling all night through a dreary country, 
thinly inhabited, where no comfortable accommodation 
could be had for a long distance. Having taken some 
provisions with us, we travelled on until about twelve 
o'clock next day, when we arrived at Zell, about sixty- 
eight English miles, and at ten that night reached Han- 
over, a very fine inland town, and famous for the king's 
gardens. The next place we halted at w T as a little 
town called Sprent, seated in a fertile valley, covered 
with luxuriant crops of grain, and the high hills sur- 
rounding it clothed with beautiful groves of trees, which 
afforded a delightful prospect; the deep green verdure 
of the forests circling large fields of corn now whiten- 
ing for harvest and the labourers just entering into them. 
O, that I could have seen as much respecting the spiritual 
condition of the people among whom I have been tra- 
velling in these parts of Germany ; but alas ! until I 
came to this place, on which nature has so bountifully 
bestowed her gifts, I have seen very little that seemed 
to attract my particular notice, except the barrenness 
of the soil, and the licentious, extortionate disposition 
of the people, which has been evinced with very 
few exceptions, so far as we have had any thing to 
do with them. At this place we had to wait for a 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 95 

change of horses, being under the necessity of submit- 
ting to the common way of travelling in this country, 
which is, for the traveller to procure a carriage of some 
sort, and then hire horses from stage to stage, the length 
of each being about three German miles. The hire of 
these horses must be paid before we leave the post 
house, at the rate of half a rix dollar per mile for each 
horse, and then in getting to the next stage, submit to 
the impositions of a dull, slow, and sometimes insolent 
postilion, that cannot be urged beyond his common gait 
for love nor money, and yet has a right to demand 
what they call snap money, which is about six or seven 
pence per mile, to furnish them with beer and a bit of 
coarse bread for their horses, which is their common 
custom. Such is the slow motion of some of them, that 
at one time, I think the boy with a good looking pair of 
horses, drove us only about one of these miles in two 
hours. I can hardly forbear remarking on their ex- 
tortion at the inns, where they generally charged for 
each person, two marks for dinner, and two for supper, 
without any kind of drink ; two marks for each single 
bed, sometimes with extra charge for candlelight ; and 
for breakfast of tea or coffee, one and a half marks, the 
marks are about one shilling and six pence sterling 
each, and the rix dollar four shillings. 

Seventh-day, first of eighth month. We reached 
Pyrmont about ten o'clock in the evening, and were 
kindly received by Federick Sebohm, with whom we 
lodged that night. 

First-day, second, attended the two meetings of friends 
at Pyrmont, to which came a considerable number of 
persons not of our society, it being a place much resorted 
to by people from many parts of the world, on account 
of the mineral waters, which are esteemed the best in 



96 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

Europe. I had never before spoken through an inter- 
preter in a meeting, but being pretty soon opened in 
the love of the gospel towards these people, I stood up, 
and a well concerned friend of this place interpreted 
for me. We were favoured with a blessed opportunity 
through the fresh extendings of holy goodness ; indeed 
such was the spreading and prevailing of divine power 
and mercy that my interpreter could not refrain from tears 
as he rendered what I spoke into German, there being 
very few present who understood English. Many peo- 
ple also attended in the afternoon, and the gospel was 
again freely preached to them ; a number appeared to 
be humbled under the precious influences thereof, so 
that both these meetings concluded in a solemn manner, 
and I humbly trust that the souls of many bowed with 
my own, and worshipped and praised the Lord for the 
renewed manifestation of his love and mercy. Next 
day I took my lodgings with my kind interpreter at a 
place called Peacedale about one English mile from 
Pyrmont: it is beautifully situated on the side of a rich 
fertile valley, and surrounded with high hills, which are 
covered with delightful groves of trees. Several other 
friends also live here ; their houses form a kind of vil- 
lage, and they have a manufactory of cutlery in which 
a number of the poor friends are employed, also a spin- 
ning factory for the poor women friends. The prices 
of labour in this as well as several other parts of Eu- 
rope are so low, that many of these industrious people 
are very poor and hard set to get a living, so that I often 
felt deeply for them. 

About four o^clock on second-day afternoon, their 
monthly meeting was held at this place, for friends of 
Pyrmont and Minden, this last being a small meeting 
within the territories of Prussia. After a considerable 



1301.] RICHARD JORDAN. 97 

time of silence, when the clerk was just proceeding to 
business, I stood up with these words, " in those days 
when there was no open vision, the word of the Lord 
was precious," and through the renewing of his ancient 
goodness, which is ever new to those who are made 
partakers of it, this was a time which 1 hope will not 
soon be forgotten by many of us then present; my cup 
run over, and I wept tears of gratitude and joy before 
Him who had enabled me to leave my all in this world, 
for his blessed GospePs sake, and the good of souls, free 
from any prospect of outward interest and gain : the 
countenances of many at this blessed season of favour, 
as well as their hearts, were softened and bedewed with 
tears, acknowledging it to be the Lord's doing, and I 
think one or more of them, in words, at or near the con- 
clusion of the meeting. After this, I returned to my 
lodgings with the incomes of sweet peace, and I now 
did not regret the many conflicts and difficulties which 
had attended my coming to see these dear people. O, 
may my soul be filled with thankfulness for the abun- 
dant fulness of comfort it now enjoys, for in addition to 
the inexpressible favour just hinted at, the next day I 
received letters from home, giving agreeable informa- 
tion of the health, peace and harmony of my dear wife 
and little family, and also of the prosperity of my out- 
ward affairs ; blessed be the Lord. ♦ 

Fourth-day, fifth ; a good time at the week day meet- 
ing ; next day wrote sundry letters to my friends in 
America. Sixth-day, the young man who came with 
me from London left me, and returned homeward ; thus 
1 am once more left as it were alone in a strange land, 
but I will endeavour to lean on the blessed arm which 
hath hitherto supported, preserved, and carried me 
through ; Lord enable me so to trust. 

I 



98 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

First-day, ninth, attended the fore and afternoon 
meetings at Pyrmont ; many not of our religious society 
were there ; some of whom were very light and airy. I 
had considerable communication amongst them in the 
morning, and my interpreter in the afternoon, and both 
were, on the whole, pretty solid opportunities. Fourth- 
day twelfth, I was at the week day meeting again, 
which was also a pretty solid time. Seventh-day, ac- 
companied by Lewis Seebohm, 1 went to visit the little 
meeting of friends at Minden in Prussia, it being about 
forty-two English miles from Pyrmont. We got there 
the same evening, and put up with Frederick Smith, an 
honest friend of that place, who with his daughters, re- 
ceived us very kindly and affectionately. 

First-day. We attended the two meetings of friends, 
which were both highly favoured seasons, especially that 
in the morning; it was much crowded by people not 
professing with friends, and a door was opened to preach 
the gospel among them with clearness and good autho- 
rity : the people were very solid and attentive, and ap- 
peared to be well satisfied, and the meeting concluded 
in solemn prayer and supplication. This was the first 
time I was ever engaged in this awful service through 
an interpreter ; he kneeled down beside me, and seem- 
ed nearly united with me in spirit, as he translated my 
words, with which the people seemed also to unite. 
Many of them came forward at the conclusion of the 
meeting, and took me by the hand, in a very solid, af- 
fectionate manner ; indeed I felt a stream of gospel 
love in my heart towards the people as I walked 
the streets, the countenances of many seemed to me to 
bespeak the sadness of their hearts, and a desire to be 
relieved from the yoke of spiritual bondage ; my soul 
secretly prayed, May the Lord Almighty help them ! 



1301.] RICHARD JORDAN. 99 

A dear, seeking woman, having heard of my intention 
of being at Minden at this lime, came fifteen miles in 
the morning on foot, to be at the meeting, but being de- 
tained in crossing a river, did not reach Minden in time 
for the first meeting : she attended that in the after- 
noon, which was also a blessed time, through the re- 
newing of holy help. She came and supped with us 
in the evening, and on being asked, if she was not wea- 
ry with her walk, replied, " Nay," seeming rejoiced 
that she had been at the meeting. Many of these dear 
people would stand, and look me in the face with tears 
in their eyes, regretting that they were notable to speak 
to me, telling my interpreter that the language of their 
hearts towards me was love, and truly, mine often over- 
flowed with love to them. 

Second-day, seventeenth, I requested a meeting for 
friends only, which was held at the house where we 
lodged, a little out of the town : the aforementioned 
woman, and another sober person or two, also attended 
it. At this meeting I was permitted, to dip my foot 
afresh, as it were, into oil, as rejoicingly so perhaps, as 
I ever experienced ; and O, saith my soul, what shall 
we render unto the Lord for all his benefits, which we 
cannot merit, and especially such eminent condescend- 
ings of his love and goodness as he was pleased to vouch- 
safe to us this day, under a humbling sense of which, 
our souls seemed melted down together as wax before 
the sun, so that there were few, if any, dry cheeks in 
the meeting; may the Lord sanctify this favour to our 
lasting benefit, and take all the honour to himself, unto 
whom it is due, now and forever, amen. 

Third-day. Early in the morning we left Minden and 
returned to Pyrmont, and next day attended the week 
day meeting there, which was & comfortable time in si- 



100 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

lence, and I had to believe that many were made to feel 
that which is preferable to words ; may they grow and 
prosper therein. 

First-day, twenty-third, I attended the two meetings 
here for the last time : in the morning I was pretty 
largely opened in testimony, and it was a precious time : 
in the afternoon I was silent, bat my interpreter had 
some communication, which appeared to afford satisfac- 
tion, and to command stillness in the meeting, which 
had been somewhat interrupted by a man in liquor, but 
ended quietly. 

I not feeling quite easy to leave Pyrmont without 
seeing friends together by themselves, proposed such a 
meeting this evening, and in order to eifect it, they met 
at Peacedale, and a few others under convincement 
also attended. The forepart of this meeting was ra- 
ther hard and laborious, requiring great deliberation 
in delivering what I had to say, looking well for the 
stepping stones, which seemed to lay in such an in- 
tricate situation, that it brought discouragement over 
me, and 1 began to look for a stopping place, when, 
blessed be the Lord, his power broke in upon us, and 
was so eminently manifested, that it proved like a plen- 
tiful shower upon the thirsty ground, and we were ge- 
nerally broken and melted down before the Lord, and 
his great name was praised, who alone is worthy, now 
and forevermore. 

After this memorable meeting, I felt, as I apprehend- 
ed, fully released, and next day, being the twenty-fourth, 
Lewis Seebohm having agreed to accompany me as in- 
terpreter, I took my solemn leave of friends, and set out 
for Amsterdam in Holland, about two hundred and forty 
miles distant. We travelled about six German miles to 
Bielfeldt, where we got a pretty comfortable lodging. 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 101 

Twenty-fifth and twenty-sixth. We travelled most of 
these two days among Roman Catholics, and along the 
way side there were abundance of crosses and images, 
particularly at the parting of roads : at the most noted 
places was the pretended image of our Saviour, which 
appeared to be made of a kind of alabaster, and was 
nailed to the cross in the attitude of expiring ; on some 
of them was also represented the crown of thorns. At 
other places were images of Mary and the child Jesus, 
placed on stone pillars, and also likenesses of several of 
the saints. O, how my soul secretly mourned over the 
great superstition manifested among them in these and 
other respects ; yet notwithstanding their ignorance, 
they received and entertained us kindly for our money, 
and seemed to look respectfully on us, though probably 
by them accounted heretics. Many of them had goodly 
countenances, and I did believe were sighing under their 
burdens ; may the Lord look down in mercy on these, 
and hasten the day of their deliverance. 

Twenty-seventh. We entered Holland, and making 
a little halt at the first town we passed through, I felt 
my mind so strongly drawn in gospel love towards the 
inhabitants, that I could not help thinking of a meeting 
among them, and mentioned it to my interpreter, but 
no way seeming to open then, to bring it about, I heavi* 
ly passed on, and most of this day felt rather uncomfor- 
table. May the Lord do more for them than such an 
opportunity could have effected. 

Sixth-day, twenty-eighth. We got to Utretcht, a 
neat, well built town, on the Rhine, where we lodged, 
and on seventh-day we had a very agreeable ride of 
about twenty-four English miles, into Amsterdam, the 
road lying along a great canal, on the banks of which, 
for a considerable part of the distance, were beautiful 

I 2 



102 JOURNAL OF [1301. 

country houses set off with delightful walks, groves of 
trees, beautiful arbours, and the most extravagant tem- 
ples of pleasure I had ever seen in any country ; these 
were surrounded with extensive level fields of grass, 
like a plain, over which were dispersed herds of fine 
cattle feeding. In viewing these delightful improve- 
ments, which were like a pleasant garden, 1 concluded 
within myself, that if these people were but gathered in 
spirit to the alone source of all true and permanent hap- 
piness, and to an humble dependence thereon, this 
place would approach the nearest to a paradise below, 
of any situation I had ever seen. But alas, a disposi- 
tion quite different from this seemed to me to prevail in 
this country, that is, to say soul eat, drink and enjoy the 
good of all thy labour, for thou hast goods laid up for 
many years. 

Having heard of a few religious people in Amster- 
dam who had forsaken the national worship, and for 
some time had met together, and sat in silence, pretty 
much in the way of Friends, we sought them out this 
afternoon, and proposed sitting with them on the mor- 
row, of which they seemed glad. 

First-day, thirtieth. We went near half a mile from 
our inn to meet these people, and sat down with them. 
I soon felt, as I apprehended, that although their out- 
ward appearance was not much like friends, their be- 
ginning was under a right dispensation, and their dispo- 
sition like that of children who were willing to be in- 
structed. The truths of the gospel ran forth like pre- 
cious oil amongst them, and a blessed watering time we 
had, both in the morning and again in the afternoon ; 
may the Lord send them help out of Zion, saith my 
soul. 

Second-day. According to the custom of this place, 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 103 

we gave in our names, places of abode and business, 
and waited on the Burgher's office with our passports ; 
they refused at first to admit us into the office with our 
hats on, though my interpreter informed them that we 
we were of the people called Quakers, and it was a re- 
ligious scruple we had, and not from contempt or disre- 
spect to any, that we refused that honour to men ; one 
of them said, in a scoffing manner, that the spirit had 
not told him so. We were turned into a long entry, 
until they had taken counsel of their committee, as they 
said; and after we had waited without, a considerable 
time, which we were favoured to do patiently, we were 
called in, and respectfully received with our hats on. 
They then executed our business and discharged us in 
a friendly manner, without any fees, and we went on 
our way rejoicing that we had been enabled to bear 
this little testimony on behalf of Truth and Friends. 
We then went and spent a little time with some of 
those friendly people aforementioned, and they seemed 
to rejoice in our faithful testimony before the magis- 
trates, so that we hoped it would tend to their encour- 
agement under similar trials. 

Fourth-day, second of ninth month. We attended an- 
other meeting with the aforementioned friendly people 
to satisfaction. There are now 7 no members of our re- 
ligious society in Amsterdam, though formerly there 
was a considerable number, the remains of a fine meet- 
ing-house are still there, which with a considerable pri- 
vilege attached to it, belong to the society, and are un- 
der the care of friends in England. We went to see 
the house, and I having been requested by the meeting 
for sufferings in London, to attend to some business res- 
pecting the estate belonging to friends as aforesaid, they 
not having opportunity to do it, during the late troubles 



104 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

in Europe, we undertook to examine into it for them, 
and settle it as well as we could, which occupied part 
of two days, it having laid a considerable time neglect- 
ed, so that our attention appeared to be very season- 
able, and gave friends in England good satisfaction, and 
we were glad that it was in our power to assist them 
herein. This week I also waited on our American 
consul, in order to procure a passport to travel in France; 
he treated me with much kindness and civility, gave 
me a good passport, and would not take any fee for it, 
though entitled to it in virtue of his office. I also called 
at the French consul's office the same day, where I like- 
wise met with civility and attention, and got my pass- 
port endorsed under the seal of the French Republic. 
We went to see several religiously disposed people in 
the city, not those we first met with ; staid over first- 
day, and attended two more meetings with those first 
mentioned serious people, several others also coming 
in, these were both favoured opportunities and the 
evening closed peacefully, blessed be the Lord. 

Fourth-day, Lewis Seebohm having after some diffi- 
culty obtained passports to travel in France, this morn- 
ing we left Amsterdam and took our journey towards 
Antwerp in French Flanders. We went about twenty- 
four miles this day in a treckschute, along a large canal 
to a town called Gouda, where we lodged, and next 
day took the mail for Antwerp : we travelled until 
about nine o'clock at night, when my interpreter was 
taken so ill that we were obliged to stop at an inn until 
morning, when finding himself better we proceeded 
and reached Antwerp about ten o'clock. After taking 
some refreshment we went to the town-house, and pre- 
sented our passports for examination, they received us 
with much civility, and put off the examination for a 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 105 

few hours on account of the press of business, fixing an 
hour for us to come again. 

We went accordingly about the time appointed, and 
got our passports endorsed under the seal of the French 
Republic, and delivered to us very respectfully, so much 
so, that I told the principal secretary, if I lived to re- 
turn to my country again, I should take pleasure in 
speaking well of French civility and kindness; he seem- 
ed somewhat affected, and said it was but their duty 
to do so, and took his leave of us in a very friendly 
manner. Thus, way has been made for us hitherto, 
even in the minds of those in authority. Our endorse- 
ments recommended us to the Prefect's office in Paris, 
and we journied on through a fine, well cultivated 
country, and lodged in a neat and well built town call- 
ed Ghent. First-day, twelfth, travelled in a very heavy 
carriage called the Diligence, carrying many passen- 
gers, I think at one time we had fifteen, and the roads 
so broken up in some places that we were obliged to 
get out and walk. One of these carriages broke down 
just behind us in the evening, but we were favoured to 
get to our intended lodging place, a fine town called 
Lille, where we were put into a room the most extra- 
vagantly furnished of any that I ever lodged in, and be- 
ing very weary I soon got to sleep. On second-day we 
could get no stage, and were therefore obliged to re- 
main at Lille ; but on third-day we proceeded, though 
the roads in some places were so bad and the carriage 
heavy, that at one place the horses stopped, and we 
all got out to walk, but my interpreter having observed 
that walking fatigued me, persuaded me that I had 
better get in again, and I at length consented, though I 
did not feel easy with it, which seems as though the 
mind sometimes receives a presentiment of approaching 



106 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

distress. I believe I had not been in the carriage five 
minutes before the horses ran off the causeway, and 
overset it down a precipice perhaps twelve or fourteen 
feet. The fall was very great, and the postillion seeing 
the danger jumped from his seat, before the carriage 
went down, leaving all to me who was shut up alone, 
and had no chance of escape. Ah! surely it is of the 
Lord's mercy that 1 am left to give this account, the 
passengers who saw the carriage go down thought I was 
killed, and ran back as quickly as they could. I opened 
the door, and begged some one to help me out, when 
they found not even a bone broken, only my right hand 
was strained, and my leg and shoulder on the same side 
much bruised. The French passengers were all very 
kind in assisting me, especially a lawyer of Paris, w r ho 
had travelled with us from Gouda, and when I became 
so ill that I could not go on in the stage, staid with us 
until w 7 e arrived in his native city of Paris, which was 
on the eighteenth, his name was Alexander Moyanat. 
He continued his kindness as long as we staid in Paris, 
coming frequently nearly a mile to see us, and several 
times invited us to dine with him. Had 1 not been in 
so much pain from my hurt, I think I should have en- 
joyed the fine prospects in this beautiful country ; and 
I may safely say from general observation, that it rather 
exceeds any country I have ever before travelled in. 
At Paris we met with Abraham Barker, a friend from 
New Bedford in North America, and no way opening 
for any religious meeting at this place, when first-day 
came, we sat down together in our hired room in si- 
lence, and a sweet time it was to me. It may not per- 
haps be amiss to mention how we were treated at the 
municipality, when we attended to present our pass- 
ports. We w 7 ere stopped by the guards, who had strict 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 107 

orders, it seems, not to suffer any man to pass, unless he 
had what is catted a cockade in his hat, but on our desir- 
ing our guide to step forward and inform the officers, that 
we were of the people called Quakers, and that our not 
observing those signs of the times was not in contempt 
of authority, or disrespect to any in office, but from a 
religious scruple in our own minds, it being the same 
with us in our own country, they readily accepted our 
reasons, and one of the officers came and took us by 
the guards and so up into the chamber, where we were 
suffered to remain quietly with our hats on until our 
passports were examined by two officers, and again en- 
dorsed under the seal of the republic, permitting us to 
go to Calvisson in Languedoc. Thus it often appears 
to me that we make our way better in the minds of the 
people, when we keep strictly to our religious profes- 
sion, in all countries and amongst all sorts of persons. 
I not being well able to travel, we staid here for several 
days, and though no way seemed to open for a religious 
meeting, we spread several books which we had taken 
with us for that purpose, and found considerable open- 
ness in the minds of the people to receive them, they 
treated us with much civility and respect. We also 
went to Versailles about twelve miles from Paris, where 
we met with some friendly people who seemed glad to 
see us, we only staid here one day, and returned to 
Paris. Twenty-third was what the French call their 
Decade, or the anniversary of their revolution, which 
seemed to be kept with great joy, and such a concourse 
of people as were collected on the occasion, I never 
before saw. The friend aforementioned and myself 
took a walk in what are called the Elysian fields, and 
were not a little surprised to observe the order that 
prevailed throughout this vast concourse. I think we 



108 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

did not observe one drunken man, or the least sign of 
wrangling and scarcely one loud sentence spoken among 
them, neither do I know that we met with so much as 
a sneer from one of them, or any kind of insult, notwith- 
standing the singularity which our appearance must 
have been to them. 

I walked out a few other times during our stay in 
Paris for the benefit of fresh air, but being poorly and 
sometimes low in mind, and not having the advantage 
of the language to converse with the people, I staid 
much in my chamber, reading in my bible, which 1 had 
taken along with me, to my great satisfaction. 

Sixth-day, second of tenth month. We left Paris and 
had a pretty agreeable journey through a fine, well 
cultivated country to Lyons, upwards of three hundred 
miles, where we staid only one day. Being desirous of 
getting on to Congenies, where we understood there 
were a considerable number of professors with us ; we 
concluded to take boat and go down the Rhone, a very 
rapid river, as being more agreeable than going by land ; 
the southern parts of France being much more hilly 
than those we had passed over. On fifth-day we got 
our carriage on board a boat, set out early from Lyons, 
and had a pretty fine run that day, but it came on so 
rainy that the Rhone became dangerous for our little 
boat. Next day in the afternoon we got out our car- 
riage and went on again by land, which proved a mer- 
ciful deliverance as we afterwards understood ; for the 
<lay after we left the Rhone a boat was lost with a con- 
siderable number of people on board, who were all 
drowned. 

First-day, eleventh. Through considerable fatigue 
and difficulty, we arrived at Congenies, where we were 
kindly received by Lewis Majolier and his wife, with 



1800.] RICHARD JORDAN. 109 

whom we put up. Third-day, had an appointed meet- 
ing at this place with those under our name, and al- 
though we found them in a very weak state, and not 
much appearance of the friend about them, yet it proved 
through the renewal of holy help one of the most water- 
ing seasons I ever experienced in a meeting. We found 
it necessary to use great deliberation in our communi- 
cations in order to be at all understood, so general a 
weeping prevailed at hearing the sound of the gospel in 
plain, simple truths delivered among them. Next day we 
went to Nismes about ten miles distant, and visited one 
or two under our name there, and the day following 
we went to a place called St. Giles about fifteen miles 
from Nismes, close on the Mediterranean Sea, and said 
to be noted formerly for containing many protestants, 
who suffered much, especially in the reign of Lewis 
XIV. for their religious principles, which occasioned 
a great dispersion of the inhabitants from that place, and 
it has never recovered, being now only a small town, 
but the remains of a large city. There are, however, 
at this time, a number who make some profession of 
our principles with whom we had a meeting, of which 
they seemed glad, though it was not so open as the 
aforementioned one at Congenies. We only staid one 
day, and then returned to Congenies. On first-day 
morning, attended meeting again at this place, which 
was considerably larger than the first, and was also a 
time of favour. After this meeting, feeling my mind 
much exercised for the right advancement of friends 
here, I proposed a meeting to be held at some suitable 
time, which was acceded to, and held this afternoon. 
My mind was opened and enlarged in laying their weak 
and disordered state before them, and the consequences 
of having no rule or order of discipline to unite them 



1 10 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

in supporting and holding up the testimonies of friends ; 
many seemed fully sensible of it, and confessed in much 
brokenness that their deviations had been such, that 
they had been only usurpers of the name of friends. 
This was truly an affecting opportunity, and after much 
time had been spent, in which many with weeping la- 
mented their situation, it was proposed to hold a meet- 
ing next day, to try if they could get into some order, 
which was agreed to, and in the evening several ar- 
ticles were drawn up in order to lay before them. 
Second-day, a meeting for business was accordingly 
held, when the aforementioned articles were laid be- 
fore them. They consisted of sundry heads of testimo- 
nies from the book of Extracts of London Yearly Meet- 
ing, accommodated as much as might be to their local 
and weak situation, and it was proposed that all such 
among them, as were willing and desirous of support- 
ing these rules and testimonies, should subscribe them 
and become united in the work. This proved also a 
time of general weeping and brokenness, and I could 
not forbear weeping with them. I think about thirty 
of them stood up, and declared their willingness and de- 
sire to support and maintain these rules of discipline as 
proposed, and subscribed thereto. Others confessed 
with tears that they felt too weak to engage at present, 
and desired to know whether a door would be left open 
for them hereafter, in case they should be better able 
to come in at a future day. After a considerable time 
had been thus spent, and they had appointed some of 
their number as overseers, &c. the meeting concluded, 
and I believe many minds with ours, were greatly re- 
lieved: may the Lord prosper the work in their hands 
to his own glory — for I did believe in our passing along 
in this country that there was a precious seed in many 






1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. Ill 

places, that would at some future day be gathered. 
May the Father of mercies bow down his gracious ear 
to the groanings thereof, and hasten the day of its deli- 
verance. 

Fourth-day, twenty-first. Apprehending myself clear 
of any further labour among these people, Lewis See- 
bohm and I parted; he concluded to stay a few days 
longer about Congenies, and then take his journey 
homewards through Switzerland, and I proceeded to- 
wards Bordeaux, in order to look for a passage to some 
port in England. This proved to be a very trying jour- 
ney, it being between two and three hundred miles, 
and 1 had only the company of a young man who had 
lately been an officer in the French army, and did not 
understand a word of English; but as he was so kind 
as to offer himself, and it being the best shift I could 
then make for a pilot, I accepted his kind offer, and 
very attentive and assisting he was to me, so far as we 
could understand each other, which was chiefly by the 
help of a dictionary. This was my tried situation for 
about eight days, for meeting with some accident bj the 
way, by getting one of the axletrees of our carriage bro- 
ken, and also having some very stormy weather, we did 
not reach Bordeaux until the twenty-eighth. I hap- 
pened to get lodgings with pretty orderly people near 
the Quay, where I met with some who could speak En- 
glish : I enquired for a passage to England, but none 
seemed immediately to offer, and as it was now growing 
late in the fall season, when a passage through the Bay 
of Biscay is reckoned dangerous, I was under the neces- 
sity of taking one as soon as it offered, or else to travel 
through the country six or seven hundred miles, to Ca- 
lais or Dunkirk, and this without an interpreter, the 
young man aforementioned having left me and returned 



112 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

home. Such was again my trying situation ; alone, far se- 
parated from all my dear friends and connections, and in 
a great straight to know rightly what to do for the best : 
Lord, look down upon me in mercy : preserve and sup- 
port me under these dispensations, and be pleased to 
show me the way that 1 should go, for thou knowest me 
altogether, and my desire to trust in thy eternal Provi- 
dence ! O, withdraw not thy soul-animating presence, 
altogether from me, but preserve me in these proving 
seasons, and keep me, O my God, in every hour of temp- 
tation and trial, that so I may not wound and become 
a reproach to thy holy cause, where my lot is cast, nor 
make sorrow and repentance for my own soul, but that 
through thy holy aid, O my God, I may yet be enabled 
to sing thy praises on the banks of deliverance, for unto 
Thee only is praise due, now and forevermore ! 

Sixth-day, thirtieth, I wrote letters to my dear wife 
and others in America. It was nearly two weeks from 
this time before I could engage a passage to answer my 
purpose, but at length one offered by a Danish brig 
bound for the island of Gurnsey, and 1 concluded to 
embrace this opportunity, and cast myself entirely on 
that all-supporting arm of Omnipotence which sustains 
the earth, and rules the raging sea. 

I may now remark, that although much of the time 1 
have been waiting here has seemed almost like impri- 
sonment, and at times as if forsaken both of friends and 
the world, yet as I have endeavoured to renew my 
trust and confidence in the eternal Arm, blessed be his 
ever adorable name, through the renewing of his infinite 
love and mercy to my soul, my lonely room, especially 
during the latter part of my stay here, has been made 
to me as a pleasant museum, wherein I have been fa- 
voured with precious openings into some of the wonder- 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 113 

ful works both of nature and of grace, to my own hum- 
ble rejoicing in the eternal Providence, and I was made 
a renewed believer therein. O, my God, how un- 
searchable is thy wisdom, how boundless and unfathom- 
able are the riches of thy goodness and mercy ; thy 
ways are hid as in the great deep, and past finding out ; 
who shall refuse to adore thee, who art the everlasting 
Father and God over all ! Shall not all nations bow be- 
fore thee, who hast made both the seas and the dry 
land, and hast appointed unto them the bounds of their 
habitations, for the Lord of Hosts remains to be thy 
name ! O, the fall of Adam ; and how all his offspring 
have been and are affected by it : I have been made to 
see and to believe it ; and the means appointed for their 
redemption, and how it is to be effected, I have seen 
and do most assuredly believe in : O, well might the 
poor man mentioned in the gospel, cry out, u Lord, 1 be- 
lieve ; help thou mine unbelief. 1 ' O, who can disbe- 
lieve in Christ Jesus, the Saviour of the world ! in his 
manhood, sufferings and death therein ! also in his 
divinity and eternal power; the Redeemer and Savi- 
our, in whom, as testified by the apostle, dwells all the 
fulness of the Godhead bodily. Tremble, O ye Deists, 
before Him, unto whom all judgment is committed, that 
all men might honour him, even as the Father is hon- 
oured. This is the Stone which was set at nought and 
rejected by you wise builders, but truly it is elect of 
God and precious ; and by Him all your buildings will 
be tried, whether you will or not; although you may, 
in your wisdom, carry your fabric to a prodigious height 
like Nimrod, yet in the day of his power when he shall 
come to inspect your work, it shall fare no better than 
Nimrod's did: O, tremble, lest confusion and everlast- 
ing disappointment be your portion ! — But O, my God, 

K 2 



114 JOURNAL OF [1801. 

be thou pleased to strengthen and enable me from time 
to time, to hold fast even unto the end what thou hast 
now been pleased to renew in my soul, and given me to 
believe most firmly. Amen. 

Sixth-day, thirteenth of eleventh month, I went on 
board the brig Mercurius, Ole Nelson captain, and all 
the crew Danes ; but such was his delay, that although 
he was to have sailed a week or ten days before this 
time, yet it was a full week after I got on board before 
they weighed anchor, which I very much regretted, it 
being fine weather. 

Sixth-day, twentieth. Weighed anchor, and fell down 
a little below the shipping, which we did not effect with- 
out some apparent danger, there being abundance of 
shipping in port and the current very rapid. Next day 
we fell down a few leagues further, and got a pilot on 
board in order to put to sea, when the wind turned 
against us, and the weather became so rainy, that al- 
though we kept the pilot on board a full week, we only 
made about twenty leagues from Bordeaux, the wind 
continuing ahead until first-day, the thirteenth of twelfth 
month ; sometimes it blew so hard, that several ships 
drifted, and others were driven from their anchors ; 
one sloop sunk, which we saw drifting near us with her 
topmast only above water, but we could not learn whe- 
ther the men were saved or lost : this sight was very 
awful to me. 

Now the wind coming fair for us, we weighed an- 
chor and put to sea, and had a fine run for about twen- 
ty-four hours. There were two other passengers on 
board, one a Scotch, the other an Irishman, both lately 
from the English navy, and we all begun to hope now 
for a speedy passage : but, alas ! for causes unknown to 
us, how are all our pleasant prospects sometimes blast- 



1801.] RICHARD JORDAN. 115 

ed ; for in the afternoon of the fourteenth, the wind 
shifted and came right against us, and presently blew so 
strong that we were obliged to heave to, with only our 
foresail spread, and let her drive wheresoever the wind 
and waves would carry us ; and this seemed to be only 
the beginning of our sorrows, for from this time we had 
contrary winds almost constantly, and at times such vio- 
lent storms and high seas that we were mightily tossed, 
and so beaten by the heavy seas, that we were in dan- 
ger of being shattered to pieces by the violence of the 
waves ; at other times swallowed up in the belly of the 
mighty deep as though we were going down, never to 
rise again; first driven near upon the French coast, 
which was very rocky and dangerous, and then upon 
the English : we several times saw the English land, 
but so mightily had we been driven about, that our ma- 
riners hardly knew where we were, and our brig be- 
came so leaky, that it was with much difficulty and 
hard labour, that our poor seamen could free her of wa- 
ter by the pumps. 

At length, our captain was determined, if possible, to 
get into the first port we could make, and therefore on 
the twenty-eighth, we stood in for the land, early in the 
morning, and about eleven o'clock we came so near in 
with the land, that they thought they knew it to be 
Portland, and we were beginning to rejoice again in the 
prospect of soon getting into safe harbour, when per- 
haps about two o'clock in the afternoon, they con- 
cluded they were deceived, and could not find any 
port before dark, and we might be in danger of 
driving upon the land in the night, therefore with fallen 
countenances were standing out to sea again, when pro- 
videntially a pilot espied us, and gave us a sign, which 
we returned, and gladly received him on board, and 



116 JOURNAL OP [1801. 

that evening he brought us into Dartmouth bay, where 
we were obliged to anchor for want of wind and tide : 
however they rose between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, and weighed anchor again, and after con- 
siderable exertion we got safe into the port of Dart- 
mouth, about twelve at noon, when I was favoured 
once more to set my foot on firm ground, which 1 had 
not done before in more than forty days. I was direct- 
ly conducted to the house of Walter Prideaux, a very 
kind friend, and I think the only one under our name 
living in Dartmouth. I met with a very kind reception 
at his house, although I was an entire stranger, and had 
no credentials about me, having left my baggage on ship 
board. I was truly glad and thankful in heart, for the 
merciful deliverance vouchsafed to me from being in- 
tombed in the mighty deep, though, blessed be God, in 
whom I was enabled to put my trust, when the coun- 
tenances of the mariners wore a dismal aspect, and all 
hope of being saved was nearly gone, I never quite lost 
my confidence ; no, not for a moment, even in the 
greatest extremity of danger. At one time in particu- 
lar, when I verily thought we were going down to the 
bottom, never more to rise, being so deeply covered 
with the rolling surge that the mighty roaring thereof 
ceased to sound in our ears, and there was a profound 
silence in the ship ; even then did my mind feel so calm 
and quiet, that I could not doubt of being clasped in the 
arms of everlasting love ; and I yielded to his blessed 
will, saying in secret, Lord, if it be thy blessed will that 
this shall be my grave, I yield, if I may but go down 
clasped in the arms of thine everlasting love, or if thou 
art pleased to bring me safe to land again, 1 will surely 
sing thy praise, I will tell of thy goodness in the congre- 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 117 

gation of thy people, I will speak of thy wondrous 
works. 

Hearing there was to be a quarterly meeting held 
next day at Kingsbridge, about twelve miles from this 
place, I felt very desirous of being at it, and therefore 
took horse, though perhaps after sunset, being accom- 
panied by George Prideaux, a kind young man, and 
nephew to the above mentioned friend. We got to 
Kingsbridge about eight o'clock, though it was very 
dark and rainy, and the country very mountainous, and 
being clear of wood, I thought in the evening the hills 
somewhat resembled the mighty waves in the bay of 
Biscay. The young man took me to his father's house, 
where I was also very kindly received and agreeably 
accommodated. Next day I attended the quarterly 
meeting, which though small, was a blessed time, and I 
trust will not soon be forgotten by many of us then pre- 
sent, but long had in remembrance as a fresh memorial 
of the Lord's love and mercy to our souls. 

Fifth-day, thirty-first, was their week-day meeting at 
this place, which 1 attended, it was also a precious 
opportunity, blessed be the Lord, who causeth all 
things to work together for good to them that love and 
fear him. 

Sixth-day, first of first month, 1802. Finding myself 
much reduced and exhausted in my nature, I have con- 
cluded to accept the kind invitation of these dear friends, 
where I lodge, to stay with them awhile, and endeavour 
to recruit, before I proceed further on my journey, 
though I have attended meetings here constantly as they 
come in course, both on first and week-days. 

Fourth-day, thirteenth, 1 went to a monthly meeting 
at Modbury, where I sat the meeting through in peace- 
ful silence, and returned again to Kingsbridge in the 



113 JOUBNAL OF [1802. 

evening. First-day, twenty -fourth, this morning at meet- 
ing I was awfully engaged, and my heart enlarged in 
solemn prayer and supplication for all my home friends 
and their meetings in general, that the blessing of preser- 
vation might be vouchsafed ; as also for all those engaged 
in like manner with myself to leave their all for the 
gospel's sake, and that the great and glorious work 
thereof might be carried on to the praise of the great 
name. 

Second-day, twenty-fifth, went to Dartmouth, and 
next evening had a large public meeting there, made up 
of a mixed multitude, who behaved well while many 
gospel truths were delivered to them, with which they 
appeared to be well satisfied, and the meeting con- 
cluded in a solemn manner, after it had held about three 
hours ; a number of the people, as I understood after- 
wards, were desirous of another meeting. I also went to 
see the ship in which I had witnessed so marvellous a 
deliverance, and found her in dock, and many workmen 
were employed in repairing her, for so much was she 
wrecked that I was informed, she narrowly escaped 
being condemned as not sea-worthy, the captain and 
crew seemed much rejoiced to see me again. 

Fifth-day, fourth of second month, went to Modbury 
again, and staid until second-day morning, in which 
time I attended three meetings, all times of favour, re* 
turned to Kingsbridge, and attended a monthly meeting 
on fourth-day, for the friends of Plymouth, Modbury, 
Kingsbridge and Dartmouth, which was also a time 
of favour. Fifth-day, eleventh, in the evening had a 
large public meeting with the town's people, which 
was attended with great solemnity, many gospel truths 
were delivered to them, which seemed to be received 
with joy and gladness, and I did believe there were 



1 802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 1 1 9 

many seeking minds amongst them. I now began to look 
towards leaving Kingsbridge, a place which I trust will 
not soon be forgotten by me, but long be remembered 
with gratitude for the many favours which I was made 
partaker of while there. I had proposed setting off on 
the morrow, but being a little unwell and not feeling 
quite clear in my mind, I staid until first-day, and had 
another precious opportunity with friends in the morn- 
ing, and feeling my mind again drawn towards the 
townspeople, I requested friends to inform them that 
the doors would be opened in the afternoon, for all that 
were disposed to come, which was done, and they came 
together in such abundance that the house could not 
contain them, and, blessed be the Lord, this was through 
the manifestation of his goodness and power a crowned 
opportunity which I humbly trust will not soon be for- 
gotten. Many of these dear people, who could not get 
seats, I believe stood quietly near three hours, such was 
the solemnity that prevailed in this large meeting : may 
the Lord have all the praise to whom alone it is due 
now and forevermore. Amen. 

Second-day, fifteenth, after an affectionate and solemn 
farewell with the dear children of this agreeable family, 
where I have been abundantly cared for in the time of 
need, and having the company of their dear father and 
mother, George and Anna Prideaux, I left Kings- 
bridge, and rode to Plymouth, where I put up with 
James Fox, and on fourth-day attended a meeting of 
friends at this place in which T was silent. First-day, 
twenty-first, I attended two meetings at the same place 
in which I was again raised up in the authority of Truth 
to preach the gospel to a pretty large audience, and 
felt considerably relieved. Fourth-day, attended the 
week-day meeting, which was a solemn time, wherein 



120 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

the testimony went forth in a close searching man- 
ner. 

First-day, first of third month, in the morning en- 
larged in testimony ; in the afternoon silent : staid their 
week-day meeting again, and was considerably enlarged 
in testimony, but still I do not feel clear to leave Ply- 
mouth; Lord preserve me in the right way and give me to 
understand thy dispensations towards me, and be pleased 
to grant me renewals of strength and patience from 
time to time, to abide them all. 

First-day, eighth. Again attended the fore and after- 
noon meetings but was shut up throughout both, in deep 
inward exercise. Their monthly meeting was held 
here this week which I also attended, and blessed be 
the Lord, the alone Helper of his people, he was pleas- 
ed to give the remnant of the deeply suffering souls to 
drink of living water to their humble rejoicing in his 
salvation. Seventh-day, feeling clear of this place, and 
having the company of George Prideaux I set out for 
Cornwall, and took the following meetings ; viz. Ger- 
mains, Looe, Liskard, Aristoll, Mavegessey ; in the two 
last I was opened in a good degree of clearness and gos- 
pel authority, I humbly trust to the edification of many 
as well as the peace of my own mind. And O, 
may I be enabled to keep that testimony, " he openeth 
and no manshutteth, and shutteth and no man openeth." 
Ah ! when he shutteth, who dare attempt to open ; and 
O, may I be preserved from being numbered among 
those that "compass themselves about with sparks of 
their own kindling," whose portion is to " lie down 
in sorrow." 

Sixth-day, reached Falmouth, and on first-day at- 
tended both the meetings of friends at this place, in the 
afternoon had a favoured time in testimony, this being 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 121 

only the third meeting out of seven since we left Ply- 
mouth, in which I have been able to open my mouth 
in public. Fourth-day, I sat the week-day meeting 
through in deep silent exercise ; after meeting went to 
see a woman friend who was vvery ill, and perhaps near 
her end in this world. I had a comfortable opportunity 
by her bedside, which was also a precious season to 
some others present : after this, visited another family 
or two, and returned to my lodgings. 

Fifth-day, went to Perran wharf, and attended a small 
meeting of friends there, which was a blessed time ; in 
the evening returned to Falmouth ; and feeling consider- 
ably unwell, I continued mostly at my lodgings until 
first-day, when I attended the meeting here again in the 
morning, and went to Perran-wharf in the afternoon, 
and attended theirs, both to pretty good satisfaction. 
Spent a little time here with friends, returned to Fal- 
mouth, and was at their monthly meeting on fourth-day, 
thirty-first, and set out the same afternoon for the Land's 
End, taking the following meetings, viz : Hilstone, a 
public meeting at the same place, Marazion, and so 
to Redruth, and attended both their meetings on first- 
day. Next day returned to Falmouth, and fourth-day, 
the seventh of fourth month, attended the quarterly 
meeting there, which was a deeply exercising time, both 
in silence and in public labour ; but in the conclusion 
I felt considerable relief, though I did not yet seem 
quite clear in leaving the place, and therefore I en- 
deavoured patiently to wait the Lord's time, being 
very desirous of seeing my way out of places, as well 
as into them. After this meeting I visited several 
friends, and attended their two meetings again on first- 
day, which were times of deep inward exercise, though 
I was opened a little in the afternoon. O Lord, when 

L 



122 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

shall I be released from this almost constant weight and 
burden, by which my poor soul is so much borne down 
and afflicted in this place. Not feeling yet liberated I 
was afraid to move under the cloud, and therefore en- 
deavoured to wait in the patience a little longer, if hap- 
pily I might be favoured to find a peaceful retreat. So 
I staid another meeting with them on fourth-day, four- 
teenth, where I was enlarged in a particularly close 
searching testimony to some states, which perhaps are 
not often reached by instruments, the meeting conclud- 
ed in solemn prayer and supplication ; many minds 
seemed to be humbled ; and blessed be the Lord, at the 
conclusion of this meeting, 1 felt quite relieved and unbur- 
dened in my spirit; praised be his glorious name forever. 

We took our solemn leave of friends here, and went 
to Perran wharf to dinner, and there being a large iron 
foundry, &c. here, we had a meeting with the people 
in the evening which was a highly favoured opportu- 
nity. Next day went on our way back to Plymouth 
and reached it the day following, viz : sixth-day, the 
sixteenth. 

First-day, attended the fore and afternoon meetings, 
which were times of deep wading and close exercise 
without much relief: here also I seemed to be kept in 
a state of imprisonment, (as I had been at Falmouth) 
until the twenty-ninth, in which time I had one public 
meeting, and attended sundry meetings with friends, and 
much of the time I was so covered and borne down un- 
der inward exercise and suffering, that I ate but little 
pleasant bread ; but blessed be the Lord, as I endea- 
voured patiently to wait his time, he was pleased to 
grant a clear and satisfactory release, so that at the 
conclusion of a meeting the day before I set out, the 
joyful intimation was given, " thou hast encompassed 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 123 

this mountain long enough.' 1 I received it with heart- 
felt gratitude and joy, and left the place quite relieved. 
Next day got to Exeter and staid over their two meet- 
ings on first-day, which were on the whole solid in- 
structive opportunities. 

Third-day, fourth of fifth month, I got to Chard, and 
had a precious meeting with a few friends there the 
same evening; next day reached Compton, and the day 
following attended a week-day meeting there, which 
was made up chiefly of Thomas Thompson's scholars ; 
this was also a solid opportunity. I got to Marnhull the 
same evening, where I met with dear Deborah Darby, 
and we were truly gladdened in seeing each other, as also 
her old companion Rebecca Byrd, who now resides 
here with her husband. First-day, we attended two 
meetings, in both of which I was silent. Third-day, 
eleventh, attended a monthly meeting at Sherburne in 
which I was also silent, but dear Deborah Darby was 
set at liberty in an affecting manner much to the relief 
of my mind. Fourth-day, twelfth, attended the week- 
day meeting at Marnhull, where I was opened in a 
short testimony to the relief of my own mind ; and on 
fifth-day, accompanied by William Raws, junior, and 
his wife, I set out for London, distant about one hun- 
dred and twenty miles. I had a very agreeable journey 
with these two valuable friends, who were very kind 
caretakers, arriving in London next afternoon, where I 
was again kindly received by my old friends Josiah 
Messer and wife of Holborn. 

First-day, sixteenth. Attended two meetings at West- 
minster ; second-day, two sittings of the yearly meet- 
ing of ministers and elders, and another sitting of the 
same on third-day morning, at Grace Church street, 
most of which were solid, good opportunities, and friends 



124 JOURNAL OF [1802, 

seemed glad to see me returned from so trying and pe- 
rilous a journey as that on the continent of Europe. 

Fourth-day, nineteenth. The yearly meeting for bu- 
siness opened, which was a solid opportunity, as were 
the sittings next day. Sixth-day, all the meeting houses 
of Friends in the city were opened for worship ; I at- 
tended that at Grace Church street, which was a good 
time. The yearly meeting proceeded with its business 
until first-day, when the meeting houses were again 
opened for worship, both in the fore and afternoon. 
Second and third days, the yearly meeting continued its 
sittings, and on fourth-day meetings for worship were 
held. I attended at Southwark meeting house, which 
was an exercising time to me, but I was favoured to re- 
lieve my mind, so that I left it peacefully ; in the after- 
noon the yearly meeting resumed its business. Fifth- 
day, soon after the meeting gathered, I proposed a visit 
to our women friends in their apartment, which was 
readily acceded to ; it proved a precious opportunity, 
and the day closed peacefully ; blessed be the Lord. 

Sixth-day morning, the twenty-eighth. The yearly 
meeting for business concluded in a solid manner, and 
in the afternoon the meeting of ministers and elders met, 
which was a time of renewed favour, such as I trust 
will long be had in grateful remembrance ; in this con- 
eluding opportunity I was permitted to be as it were 
numbered among the princes; blessed be the Lord, 
who causeth all things to work together for good to them 
that love and fear him ; sanctifying their toils and ex- 
ercises, at times, to their own peace and rejoicing. 

First-day, the thirtieth. T attended Devonshire-house 
meeting, wherein I was enlarged in testimony on the 
fall of man, also on the subject of his redemption and 
restoration to the favour of God through Jesus Christ : 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 125 

this was a solemn time, the meeting was large, and many 
not professing with us were present, but one stood up 
in the meeting (who was in profession with us,) and ex- 
pressed something like lessening the validity and weight 
of this doctrine. I had felt that spirit at work in many 
places, and in some it had openly made its appearance. 
I was also engaged in prayer and supplication in this 
meeting, and near the conclusion was concerned to 
stand forth and testify, that I had travelled in most 
parts of North America, and also in most places in Eu- 
rope where Friends were scattered, and that we were 
uniformly, as a religious body, of the same principles, 
and held forth the same doctrines, as I had done in that 
meeting, or words to this import ; the meeting seemed 
clothed with a profound solemnity, and so concluded, 
and I went my way rejoicing, believing that many were 
made to rejoice with me, in the Hope of Israel ; blessed 
be the Lord who gave the victory this day. In the af- 
ternoon I attended the meeting at Grace Church street, 
where I met with my friend Joseph Cloud, from North 
America. 

Second-day, thirty-first. The dear family with whom 
I sojourn removed out of the city to Hampstead, and 
took me with them, which I find a pleasant retreat from 
the noise of London. Returned to the city on fifth-day, 
and attended the week day meeting at Westminster. 
Sixth and seventh-day, staid mostly about Hampstead? 
and wrote letters to America. 

First-day, sixth. 1 attended the two meetings of 
friends at Tottenham, which were solid opportunities 
through the fresh extendings of holy help. Fourth-day 
attended the monthly meeting of Grace Church street, 
and next day the meeting at Westminster. First-day, 
was at the meetings of Westminster again, in which I 

L 2 



126 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

was silent, as I had been in the week day meeting pre- 
ceding. Second-day, fourteenth, attended the morning 
meeting of ministers and elders, where I communicated 
to friends my apprehension of having pretty nearly ful- 
filled my prospects in coming to Europe, and my ex- 
pectation of soon being at liberty to return to my own 
country ; this was a blessed opportunity, and several 
friends were appointed to prepare a certificate for me. 

Third-day, fifteenth, was at a monthly meeting at 
Southwark, and next day attended the meeting at 
Grace Church street, in which I was raised up and en- 
larged in gospel authority, and matter flowed freely like 
precious oil, to the humbling and contriting of many 
souls before the Lord ; it was a blessed watering time, 
and concluded in solemn supplication by our dear friend 
Sarah Lynes. Fifth-day, I was at Westminster month- 
ly meeting, which was a time of favour. First-day at- 
tended both the meetings at Westminster again, in 
which I had considerable communication, but did not 
feel so comfortable after these meetings as I had done, 
in some of the aforementioned ones, but perhaps it is 
better for me. Lord, preserve me both in heights and 
in depths, so that nothing may be able to separate me 
from thy love, nor shake my confidence in thee. 

Fourth-day twenty-third. Attended an adjournment 
of the monthly meeting at Grace Church street; fifth- 
day went to Radcliff, and on sixth-day was at a school 
meeting at Islington, in all of which I was silent ex- 
cept the last, which was a pretty open time, and I be- 
lievewas to general satisfaction. 

First-day, twenty-seventh. Went to the meetings at 
Peale, which were both solid, good opportunities. Se- 
cond-day, I attended the quarterly meeting of ministers 
and elders, and on third and fourth days, a large quar- 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 127, 

terly meeting for business, in the first sitting of which, 
while men and women were together, I was enlarged 
in testimony, with clearness and good authority, to 
my own humble admiration ; the opportunity conclud- 
ed with solemn prayer and thanksgiving to the blessed 
Father of mercies, who had been pleased to cover us 
this day as with the canopy of his love, under a renew- 
ed sense whereof many souls with my own, were given 
to rejoice in his salvation, and I humbly trust that this 
day will long be gratefully remembered by many of us. 

Fifth-day, first of seventh month. I attended West- 
minster meeting, where was a marriage, which drew a 
number of people not professing with us, among whom 
were several French noblemen, one of them a member 
of the National Assembly at Paris ; this 1 think was one 
of the most solid opportunities that I ever experienced 
on such an occasion : this great man from France was 
introduced to me after meeting, and seemed sensibly af- 
fected with the favours of the day, the service of which 
fell chiefly on Mary Dudley and myself. 

First-day, fourth. I attended a large meeting at De- 
vonshire house in the forenoon, where was a burial ; I 
had considerable communication, which I hope was of 
some use, but the solemnity of the meeting was much 
interrupted by an unseasonable and unsanctified appear- 
ance, yet it ended better than I expected : in the after- 
noon I attended Grace Church street meeting, which 
was silent. Third-day sixth, attended a monthly meet- 
ing at Devonshire house, which, through the renewed 
extending of holy help, was a memorable time. Fifth- 
day, was at a week-day meeting at Radcliff, which was 
also a time of favour. 

First-day, in the morning, attended Westminster meet- 
ing ; in the evening a large public meeting appointed by 



128 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

Mary Dudley at Devonshire house, and on second-day 
was at the morning meeting of ministers and elders, 
where I obtained a certificate addressed to my friends 
at home, purporting unity with me in my travels in Eu- 
rope. I spent the remaining part of this week among 
friends in social visits, except attending a monthly meet- 
ing at Westminster ; and on first-day morning I attended 
the meeting at Grace Church street, where I had a so- 
lemn farewell opportunity. In the afternoon I attended 
Westminster meeting, where I suppose the expectations 
of many were raised, seeing this was to be my last op- 
portunity with them, and it being the meeting within 
the limits of which I had resided during my stay in 
London, but they were disappointed, for I was silent, 
except near the conclusion I told them, that in looking 
over the many exercises and baptizing seasons which 
I had passed through among them, I felt quite clear and 
relieved ; and with very little addition took my solemn 
leave of them, and bid them a long farewell ; this seem- 
ed to occasion considerable solemnity, and opened a 
door for dear Mary Dudley, who had a favoured op- 
portunity. 

I returned to Hampstead that evening, and next day 
attended a school meeting at Islington, to satisfaction. 
Third and fourth days rather unwell, and staid mostly 
at my lodgings. On fifth-day, having the company of 
two young friends of London, I took leave of friends at 
Hampstead, and got to Colebrookdale on seventh-day ; 
staid over first-day, and attended their two meetings, 
which were highly favoured opportunities, wherein 
truth was eminently exalted over all, and many souls 
with mine, were comforted and refreshed and praised 
the Lord. We were also favoured with a precious op- 
portunity in the evening, at the house of Richard Rey^ 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 129 

nolds, with his family, and a number of young friends 
who came in, and the evening closed peacefully. 

On third-day reached Warrington in time to attend 
their meeting the same morning, which was a blessed 
watering opportunity, especially with some of the youn- 
ger class ; we also had a good opportunity w r ith some 
young people who came to see us at the house where 
we dined, and the same evening we got peacefully into 
Liverpool, where we were again kindly received at the 
house of our dear friend Robert Benson. Fifth-day I 
attended their week day meeting, and after a time of 
close exercise, Truth broke forth to our comfort and re- 
joicing ; blessed be the Lord. Here I also received 
agreeable accounts from my dear wife, which was 
cause of thankfulness and gratitude. 

First-day, tirst of eighth month. I attended two meet- 
ings here which were baptising seasons, and the day 
closed peacefully. I have been very much tried in my 
mind for two or three days past, having been on board 
of several fine ships in order to see for a passage to 
America, but all has seemed to close up respecting it at 
present, so that I could not see my way to engage a 
passage in any of them. Lord, look down upon me in 
mercy, and preserve me in patience, until thou art 
pleased to open the way for me according to thy own 
blessed counsel. Fourth-day, Josiah Messer, his wife 
and two daughters, from London, called here and spent 
two or three days very agreeably with me, they being 
on a journey to the north, to visit their relations. Fifth- 
day, attended the week day meeting, where I could see 
no way for me, but to abide in my tent, in inward ex- 
ercise. I staid in and about Liverpool until first-day, 
and attended their two meetings again, when, blessed 
be the Lord, I was enabled in a good degree to cast off 



130 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

my burden with which I have been so much borne 
down and pressed in spirit for several days, in this 
place, and my mind now felt more calm and quiet. 

Third-day, tenth. The half year's meeting in Wales, 
which is to be held this month, having engaged my at- 
tention for several days, after some very close thinking 
on the subject, I have believed it safer for me to resign 
myself to the prospect of attending it ; and accordingly 
I set out this afternoon ; crossed the river Mersey from 
Liverpool, and took our journey by the way of Chester, 
where we arrived the same evening. Their meeting 
being next day we attended it, and it was a time of fa- 
vour, tending to the encouragement of the little few 
who reside here, as well as to the comfort of our own 
minds. 

We lodged another night in Chester, and on fifth-day 
got to Shrewsbury, being upwards of forty miles. Sixth- 
day, had an appointed meeting with friends of this 
place, which was a blessed watering time, and that 
evening had a very agreeable ride to Colebrookdale. 
First-day, fifteenth, we attended a meeting at a place 
called the New Dale in the morning, four miles dis- 
tant ; returned to their meeting here in the afternoon, 
which was large, owing to the coming in of many not 
professing with us. I expected during a great part of 
this meeting that I should have sat it through in silence, 
as I had done that in the morning, but at length, when 
I began to be apprehensive that it was nearly time for 
the meeting to conclude, I stood up with a few words, 
and, as 1 expressed them, life seemed to increase, until, 
blessed be the Lord, it was exalted to our humble ad- 
miration, and many of us were renewedly enabled to 
bow, and worship, and praise Him, who lives forever 
and ever, and we went on our way rejoicing ; thus the 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 131 

day again closed peacefully. Third-day, attended a 
week day meeting at the old Dale, and in the evening 
a meeting of ministers and elders at the same place, 
and next day a monthly meeting at the New Dale, all 
of which were, I humbly trust, profitable and instruc- 
tive opportunities to me and many more. 

Fifth-day, nineteenth, we left Colebrookdale and 
reached Leominster, where we put up with William 
Young, a very ancient and valuable friend, who received 
us very kindly, we staid in and about this town until first- 
day, and attended their meetings to good satisfaction. 
Second-day, we rode to the Hay in South Wales, where 
the half yearly meeting is to be held, here we met with 
dear Deborah Darby again, who had not been home 
since the yearly meeting in London. 

Third-day, the twenty-fourth ; at eight o'clock in the 
morning, the select meeting was held ; at eleven, a pub- 
lic meeting, and at four in the afternoon, the meeting 
for discipline opened, which continued by adjournments 
until next afternoon, and in the evening a large public 
meeting was held. Sundry friends from London, and 
many from other parts of England attended this half 
year's meeting, and on the whole, the several opportu- 
nities in the course thereof, were times of favour, and 
we left the place with thankful hearts. 

Fifth-day, twenty-sixth, Deborah Darby having ap- 
pointed a public meeting to be held this morning about 
fourteen miles from this place on our way to Leomin- 
ster, and another in the evening at Leominster, I at- 
tended them both, and they proved to be seasons of 
favour, the day closed peacefully. Sixth-day, Deborah 
Darby and we parted, she went towards Worcester, 
and we back towards Shrewsbury. We lodged at an 
inn at Church Stratton, and next morning got to Shrews- 



132 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

bury, having the company of several friends; we staid 
over first-day and attended their meeting in the fore- 
noon, and in the afternoon had a pretty large public 
meeting, both of which were solid, good opportunities, 
and tended much to the relief of my mind. Second-day 
morning we took an affectionate leave of these friends, 
and set out for Chester where we arrived in the even- 
ing; next day had a public meeting there, which was a 
solid good time ; and in the evening had a precious op- 
portunity at our lodgings with some newly convinced 
persons. Next day being the first of ninth month, we 
got well to Liverpool, where I met with my dear friend 
William Jackson from America, who had just before 
arrived, with Mary Jefferis,' after a passage of thirty- 
eight days from New York ; our meeting was truly re- 
joicing. 

Fifth-day, the second, we all attended the week-day 
meeting here, which was to us a day of high favour, 
blessed be the Lord our God who comforteth those that 
are cast down, he was pleased to comfort our souls in 
this meeting. Sixth and seventh days, William Jackson 
and I spent most of these two days together, and attend- 
ed the two meetings of friends next day, which were 
large, especially that in the afternoon, many not profess- 
ing with us coming in, both these meetings tended much 
to the relief of my mind. In the last 1 had something 
like a solemn farewell to many whose faces I was to see 
no more, and next day I felt freedom to engage my pas- 
sage in a ship called the India, Captain Hathaway, bound 
for Philadelphia ; this day dear William Jackson and I 
parted, he going on his journey towards Cheshire, I 
staid in town and went about preparing for my voy- 
age. 

Fourth-day, accompanied by Isaac Hadwin and wife 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 133 

took passage in a canal boat to Writtington, aboutiwenty- 
one miles from Liverpool, to see dear Robert Benson 
and his family, and arrived there that evening ; next day 
attended their week-day meeting which was a blessed 
relieving opportunity; spent the remainder of the day 
with this valuable family, and in the evening before we 
retired to bed, divine good being renewed, we were fa- 
voured with another blessed opportunity to the comfort 
and consolation of our souls, and the great name was 
magnified and praised, who alone is worthy forever. 

Next morning early we took our solemn leave of 
these dear friends, and returned to Liverpool, and first- 
day, twelfth, T attended both the meetings here : in the 
afternoon I was raised up, and enabled to bear a testi- 
mony on the subject of the first and second command- 
ments, in an affecting manner, and the meeting conclud- 
ed with solemn prayer. I left it under a fresh sense of 
divine favour, and went to my lodgings, and this even- 
ing a number of friends coming in, we had another 
heart-tendering opportunity. 

Second-day, thirteenth, I went to the custom-house 
and gave in my name, nativity, occupation, what coun- 
try I was last from, where bound, the ship's name in 
which I was to sail, and the persons to whom I was 
known hfere. I then obtained a permit to leave the 
country and go home. — Well, if my blessed and hea- 
venly Master doth but go along with me, and carry 
me safely and peacefully there, I believe all the diffi- 
culties, dangers and hardships which have attended me 
in this journey, will weigh lighter than vanity in com- 
parison with his superintending care, love and mercy to 
my soul ; eternally blessed be his name. 

Third-day, attended the burial of a friend, on which 
occasion a large meeting was held at the meeting- 

M 



134 JOURNAL OF [1802, 

house, which was a solid time, and I believe one of re- 
newed visitation and warning to many. Fifth-day be- 
ing meeting day in course, and I not having had any 
warning to go on ship board, I ventured to attend the 
meeting, which proved to be a blessed opportunity, 
the day closed peacefully and I seem only waiting the 
ship's time. Seventh-day, eighteenth, the eight passen- 
gers who are to go in the cabin, and sundry others in 
the steerage were ordered on board, and now I took 
my last leave of the dear friends where I lodged, and a 
number of others who came to see me on the occasion, 
and got on board between ten and eleven in the morn- 
ing : the ship was very soon under way and having a 
fine breeze, we presently got out of the mouth of the 
river Mersey, the breeze gradually increasing, and 
our ship being a fine fast sailer, we soon left all behind 
that came out with us, though there were many fine 
ships, some of which came out before us, but the wind 
dying away in the evening we were almost becalmed, 
and continued so most of the night ; all the passengers 
continue pretty free from sea-sickness. Next day in the 
afternoon a fine breeze sprang up, and our sailing in- 
creased to seven knots and a half per hour, and we seem 
now to be fast bidding adieu to Europe. I leave it with 
a peaceful mind, and many of its inhabitants will be 
long remembered in gospel affection by me, if I am 
continued in this state of being. I feel that I have much 
to be thankful for to the great Author of my being, who 
by his all supporting arm of omnipotence, hath carried 
me through many heights and depths, and covered my 
head in the day of battle, and hath often enabled me to 
set up my Ebenezer, and say, " hitherto the Lord hath 
helped me." He hath been with me in perils by land, pe- 
rils by sea, and perils among false brethren, and hath deli- 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN. 135 

vered me from the power of them all ; yea, when the 
proud waves roared tremendously and essayed to swal- 
low me up, then was his voice experienced to be 
mightier than the noise of many waters, yea, than the 
mighty weaves of the sea. I was favoured with a good 
passage, good accommodations, a kind captain and all 
the crew civil and respectful towards me. 

We landed in Philadelphia on fifth-day, the twenty- 
eighth of tenth month, being just forty days from Liver- 
pool : I accepted the invitation of our kind captain, and 
dined with him this afternoon; he resides here when at 
home. The yellow fever prevailing in the city at this 
time, and many friends as well as others having desert- 
ed it, I went to Abington this evening and returned to 
the city next day, and attended the select quarterly 
meeting which was small by reason of the prevailing 
fever, but it was a solid opportunity. I returned to 
Abington in the evening, and on first-day attended meet- 
ting there, which was also a good time. 

Second-day, first of eleventh month. Having taken 
cold, and it increasing, I became considerably unwell, 
and staid mostly about house until fourth-day, when I 
attended the select quarterly meeting at Abington, and 
next day a large quarterly meeting for discipline ; these 
were both solid instructive opportunities. Seventh-day, 
sixth, went to the city and finding that the fever had 
subsided, I resumed my old quarters. 

First-day, the seventh, I attended the North meeting 
in the morning, and in the afternoon that at Market 
street, both of which were on the whole highly favour- 
ed seasons : second-day attended the morning meeting 
of ministers and elders ; third-day, meeting at the North 
meeting-house, fourth-day, meeting at Pine street, and 
fifth-day the meeting at Market street again, in most of 



136 JOURNAL OF [1802. 

which I got considerable relief, indeed I hoped the late 
calamity would prove a blessing to many survivors ; 
may it not be too lightly looked over by any, but be a 
means of arousing all from a false rest, or too anxious a 
pursuit after perishable enjoyments, as these awful vi- 
sitations plainly tell us that we have no continuing city 
here, and this is not the place of our rest. Sixth-day, 
twelfth, I sat out for New York, being desirous to visit 
friends there before I returned homeward, got to Bur- 
lington, staid over first-day, and attended meeting there 
to satisfaction. On fourth-day, seventeenth, got to New 
York, where 1 met with a hearty welcome from many 
of my dear friends, who seemed to rejoice with me on 
my safe arrival in my native country. 

First-day, attended the fore and afternoon meetings 
of friends, and in the evening a large public meeting 
appointed by Martha Routh, in the last two I was pretty 
largely opened in testimony much to the relief of my 
own mind, and I believe to the general satisfaction of 
friends ; indeed I think I never felt more openness in 
this city than at this time, both among friends and others. 
We staid this week and attended their preparative and 
first-day meetings again to good satisfaction ; and on 
fourth-day, first of twelfth month, was at the monthly 
meeting here, also to our solid satisfaction : next day 
in the evening a large public meeting appointed by a 
friend from Purchase in this state, in which 1 was open- 
ed and enlarged on several subjects with clearness and 
gospel authority to the humble rejoicing of my own 
soul, and I believe of many more. At the conclusion 
of this humbling season, I took my leave of the people 
and bid them farewell, and a very solemn and affecting 
farewell it appeared to be to many dear souls then pre- 
sent. 



1802.] RICHARD JORDAN, 137 

Sixth-day, third, we left New York and got to Rail- 
way, and attended their two meetings on first-day, in 
which through the renewed extendings of holy help, 
Truth was exalted over all after much painful exercise, 
glory to the Lord forever. On third-day, seventh, at- 
tended a monthly meeting at Crosswicks, and the same 
afternoon got to Burlington, where we staid over their 
week-day meeting, and visited several of our friends 
both in town and country. Seventh-day, we got to 
Philadelphia and found the city in good health, and our 
friends there glad to see and receive us again. 

First-day, twelfth, in the morning I attended the 
North meeting, in the afternoon that at Pine street, and 
in the evening a large meeting at Market street, in all 
of which 1 was silent, except a few words in the latter 
part of the evening meeting. Second-day, I attended 
the select morning meeting at Fourth street house, 
which was a good time. Next day, I attended the North 
meeting, which was very large, and a bowed humbling 
season it was, to me and many more, blessed be the 
Lord. Fourth, fifth and sixth days, attended the meet- 
ings at Pine street, Market street, and also the meeting 
for sufferings, in all which I was silent. First-day, 
nineteenth, attended North meeting in the morning, 
Pine street in the afternoon, and a large meeting at 
Market street in the evening, in all of which I was si- 
lent, except a few words in the meeting at Pine street 
near the close, and I have been thankful in believing 
that I was preserved in these large meetings in the way 
of my duty, and helped to keep the word of the Lord's 
patience, though I know not the cause why I have been 
so much shut up since last in this city, but an earnest 
'solicitude hath attended my mind, that the true, inward, 
spiritual worship may be more and more sought after 

M 2 



138 JOURNAL OF [1803. 

by me, and all the professors thereof. First-day even- 
ing, twenty-sixth, I have been at seven meetings since 
the above account, in all of which I was silent. 

Seventh-day, first of first month, 1803, I have attend- 
ed five more meetings since last entry, all silent, except 
one, and yet I cannot see my way out of the city : Lord 
preserve me, and enable me to hold fast my confidence 
in thee, strengthen me I pray thee to abide every dis- 
pensation which thou mayest see meet to order, or 
permit me to be proved with, though it be even to fol- 
low thee through much tribulation and sorrow, or into 
prison or even unto death, enable me O Lord to say in 
deed and in truth, thy will be done and not mine. 

First-day, second. I attended three meetings this day, 
in two of which I had some public service, especially 
in the large evening meeting at Market street, which 
was truly an humbling time. I attended five other 
meetings this week, mostly silent, except in a meeting 
for the school children, where there was supposed to be 
upwards of a thousand collected ; to these dear children 
I had considerable communication. First-day, ninth, 
I attended three large meetings again, also meetings 
on second, third, fourth, and fifth days, mostly silent, 
but cannot yet see my way any where out of the 
city. Lord, look down upon me in mercy, and keep 
me near and watchfully attentive to the dispensations of 
thy divine Providence. 

First-day, sixteenth. I attended Pine street meeting 
in the morning, which was very large, and I was con- 
siderably opened in testimony, and found some relief. 
I was at the Market street meeting in the afternoon, 
and again in the evening, which last I thought was one 
of the most solid meetings of the kind I ever attended: 
so much so, that for the present it seemed as though 



1803.] RICHARD JORDAN. 139 

there was not a soul but what was sensible of the fa- 
vours of this evening, in which prayers and praises as- 
cended up to Him who lives forever and ever, and who 
is alone worthy thereof, through time and eternity. 

Second-day, a favoured time at the morning meeting 
of ministers and elders : third-day, attended the North 
week day meeting, which was large ; two Indian chiefs 
were at it, and sat remarkably still and solid, while 1 
was engaged in opening several instructive passages re- 
specting the many revolutions which the seed of Abra- 
ham passed through, before they entered into the land 
which God promised unto them as an inheritance. 
This afternoon was their select preparative meeting, 
which I attended, and this opportunity, I humbly trust, 
will not soon be forgotten by some of us then present, 
but be held in grateful remembrance before Him who 
was pleased to loose, as it were, a seal, and let us into 
some of the mysteries of his kingdom, so that my cup 
run over, and I wept tears of humble gratitude, under a 
sense of our unworthiness of these his unmerited mer- 
cies ; may we profit thereby. 

Fourth-day the nineteenth. Attended Pine street 
meeting, in which I was pretty largely engaged in tes- 
timony on some deeply interesting subjects, with clear- 
ness and good authority ; in the afternoon I attended 
their select preparative meeting, which was also a time 
of favour. Fifth-day, twentieth, attended Market street 
week day meeting, which was large ; I was opened in 
testimony in gospel authority, and this was also a bow- 
ed, humbling opportunity ; several friends from the oth- 
er meetings were also present. Sixth-day, attended the 
Meeting for Sufferings, which was a time of favour. 

First-day, in the morning I attended Pine street meet- 
ing, which was a highly favoured season, much to the 



140 JOURNAL OF [1803. 

relief of my poor exercised mind ; in the afternoon at- 
tended* the North meeting, which was a good time, and 
in the evening the large meeting at Market street which 
I sat through in silence, and was well satisfied that I 
did so. Second-day, twenty-fourth, attended the morn- 
ing meeting of ministers and elders, which was a time 
of favour. Third-day, was at the monthly meeting for 
the Northern district, which I sat in silence, and being 
very unwell I did not stay until they got through the bu- 
siness, but went to my lodgings, where I continued 
poorly for several days, and very low in my mind. 
Lord, when shall I escape from this city ? — O look down 
upon me in mercy, and be pleased, if it be thy blessed 
will, to show me what thou wouldest have me to do, 
and also give me strength to perform what thou art 
pleased to require ; O Lord, preserve me in thy holy 
counsel, keep me in the hour of trial and temptation, 
grant me patience to endure all things for thy name's 
sake : thou knowest me altogether, and the way that I 
take, and that I cannot see aright unless thou art pleas- 
ed to open mine eyes, neither can I walk in the right 
way, except thou art pleased to lead me by thy light, 
and to guide me by the right hand of thy power, O my 
God! 

I did not go out to any meeting after the above-men- 
tioned, until first-day, thirtieth, in the morning, when I 
sat the North meeting through in silence. Second-day, 
sat the morning meeting of ministers and elders in si- 
lence, but my mind was covered with a peaceful calm ; 
blessed be the Lord. Second-day, seventh, I attended 
the quarterly meeting, which was held at the North meet- 
ing house, and was a very large and highly favoured 
meeting. I was opened and enlarged in the authority of 
Truth, and again enabled to preach the everlasting gospel 



1803.] RICHARD JORDAN. 141 

from these words, " What am I, O Lord, that thou hast 
spoken unto thy servant concerning my house for a great 
while to come 5" and blessed be his ever adorable name, 
through whose condescending goodness in the opening 
and shedding abroad of divine light and life, this was a 
day which I humbly trust will long be had in grateful 
remembrance by many of us then present, as a fresh 
memorial of the Lord's love and mercy to our souls ; 
blessed be his holy name forever. Third-day attended 
a large meeting for the blacks at Market street, where- 
in I was engaged in prayer and supplication on behalf 
of this oppressed race of mankind, in as awful a manner 
as I almost ever experienced, and the meeting closed 
with great solemnity. 

Fourth-day. Attended a large quarterly meeting at 
Abington, in which humble thankfulness and gratitude 
arose to our gracious Master, who caused his own bless- 
ed Truth this day to be exalted over all opposition in 
the minds of the people, and the meeting concluded un- 
der a humbling sense thereof: we went on our way re- 
joicing, and returned to the city. 

Sixth-day, eleventh. I had a religious meeting with 
the convicts in the state prison to good satisfaction, and 
now, blessed be the Lord, I seem relieved and quite 
easy to take my leave of the city, and look towards 
home. Seventh-day, twelfth, after a solid opportunity 
with the dear friends where I have lodged so long, I 
took my solemn leave of the city, and being accompa- 
nied by my kind young friend John Morton, junior, got 
to Darby that afternoon ; next day attended the meet- 
ing there, which proved a good time to me, and I be- 
lieve to many more. Second-day we went to Concord, 
and on third-day attended their quarterly meeting, which 
was an exercising time to me, yet Truth seemed to get 



142 JOURNAL OF [1803. 

the victory, and I felt pretty quiet and comfortable af- 
ter meeting. 

Fourth-day attended their week day meeting at the 
same place, which was small, but a blessed heavenly 
season it proved to be, much to the comfort and refresh- 
ment of our minds. The same afternoon went to Bran- 
dywine, and next day attended the week day meeting 
at Wilmington, which was a time of close exercise with 
me, both private and public, but I was favoured to 
leave the meeting with a peaceful mind, and was there- 
fore content. Went to London Grove, and seventh- 
day, nineteenth, attended a select quarterly meeting 
there ; first-day was at their meeting for worship, and 
on second-day, a large quarterly meeting for discipline 
at the same place, in all of which I was silent, except 
the meeting on first-day, and then I got but little relief. 
Third-day attended a large youth's meeting, in which I 
was silent throughout, I believe to the great disappoint- 
ment of many, but I could see no way for me to step 
forward to espouse the holy cause, and therefore I en- 
deavoured patiently to abide in my tent. This evening 
went and tarried with Jacob Lindley, and next morn- 
ing several young people being present, we had a pre- 
cious heart-tendering opportunity, and next day set out 
for Baltimore, but the roads being excessively heavy, 
we did not reach there until sixth-day, the twenty-fifth, 
when we were favoured to arrive without any material 
accident. 

First-day, twenty-seventh, were at the two meetings 
of friends here, which were large, being attended by a 
number not professing with us, but I could see no way 
for me publicly to espouse the holy cause in either of 
these meetings, and therefore I sat them through in si- 
lence. On fifth-day, third of third month, attended their 



1803.] RICHARD JORDAN. 143 

week day and preparative meeting, which was also 
large, and I was raised up in gospel authority to declare 
the everlasting Truth, and the meeting concluded in so- 
lemn prayer, after which I felt my poor exercised mind 
relieved from a great weight of oppression, which has 
been my almost constant companion for some time, and 
very much shut up both in and out of meetings. 

First-day, sixth. Attended both the meetings here 
again, which were large, and I had pretty extensive 
public labour and exercise in both of them : I think it 
may be said, they were humbling, baptising seasons, 
and the day closed peacefully ; blessed be the Lord, to 
whom be all the praise, for he alone is worthy, both 
now and evermore. Third-day, eighth, went out to 
Ellicott's mills, and attended a meeting there next day, 
with a number of friends and others, which was also a 
blessed time ; after this we returned peacefully to Bal- 
timore. Fifth-day attended their monthly meeting, in 
which I had considerable public service, and it was on 
the whole a pretty solid time. 

First-day, thirteenth. Attended both the meetings 
again ; in the first I was pretty largely opened in testi- 
mony, but quite shut up in the afternoon, and not yet 
seeing my way clear to leave the city, we staid their 
week day meeting again, when, blessed be the Lord, I 
was enabled to clear my deeply exercised and oppress- 
ed mind, and felt quite at liberty to leave the city the 
same day, which we did, and got to Indian Spring 
that evening, about twenty-three miles, and attended a 
monthly meeting there next day, which was a solid 
time. First-day, twentieth, were at a meeting, of friends 
at Alexandria, which was very dull and exercising for a 
considerable time, but at length Truth and life gradually 
arose, until it became so exalted, that many minds were 



144 JOURNAL OF [1803. 

bowed aYid humbled and enabled to return thanksgiving 
and praise to Him, who lives forever and ever. 

Second-day, twenty -first. We left Alexandria, and had 
no meeting in our way until we got to Burleigh, on the 
south side of the James' River, where we attended a 
meeting w 7 ith friends on first-day, the twenty-seventh, 
and the same afternoon got to Black Water, and next 
day to Suffolk. Third-day, twenty -ninth, a friend from 
our country having appointed a meeting atSummerton, 
we attended it, and it was a solid, good time. On 
fourth-day, thirtieth, I reached my habitation, and found 
my dear wife and family all well, and glad to see and 
receive me again ; and I rejoiced to see them, and to 
find that they had been preserved and abundantly cared 
for by a kind Providence, during my absence. 

I was from home on this journey three years, one 
month, and ten days, in which time I travelled by land 
and water, about fifteen thousand miles. Thus, O Lord 
my God, in whom I have endeavoured to repose my 
trust, thou hast carried me through many heights and 
depths, perils and dangers ; yea, perils by sea, perils by 
land, and perils by false brethren ; and through all 
these didst preserve me ; when thy billows went over 
my head, and my heart was ready to melt within me, 
even then didst thou make bare thine arm for my 
deliverance, and sustained me by thy matchless good- 
ness, and made me to see thy wonders in the great deep ; 
then thou wast there, and guided me by the right hand 
of thy power, that I should not be swallowed up by the 
proud waves, when they roared about my head, and 
threatened destruction. Thus thy countless mercies, 
O Lord, have been round about me in all the way, and 
thou hast brought me safe back again to my dear con- 
nexions at home ; for all these thy mercies, O Lord, T 



1 803.] RICHARD JORDAN. 1 45 

desire to bless and praise thy name, which is great and 
adorable forever. And now O Lord, I am not worthy 
of all these thy mercies, yet since thou hast been pleas- 
ed of thy unmerited bounty' to grant them hitherto, and 
hast given me to speak well of thy name in the congre- 
gations of thy people, even to some of the nations afar 
off, be pleased to remember and not forsake me in my 
future steppings along through the remaining part of my 
pilgrimage here; preserve meO my God, and deliver me 
from all my enemies, both within and without, for thou 
knowest them all, and seest their snares, even before 
they are laid ; give me to see and strength to shun them 
all both on the right hand and on the left, even unto 
the end, that so I may be enabled to bring honour and 
praise unto thy great name through all the remaining 
part of my days here, and unite with those who, in un- 
ceasing anthems, sing thy everlasting praise beyond the 
grave. Amen. 

My kind young friend John Morton, junior, who 
came home with me, only staid one day before he re- 
turned homewards, being desirous if possible to reach 
home before their yearly meeting. I was loth to part 
with him so soon, fori loved him dearly, and I hope his 
kindness and attention to me will meet its reward. 
First-day, third of fourth month, I attended our own 
meeting for the first time since my return; and had 
some communication in a public way ; as also once or 
twice within a few weeks afterwards, but my way in 
this respect soon became quite closed up, so that 1 al- 
most became a wonder to my friends and to the people. 
How hard it is for wise people to become fools, indeed 
it seems as though they would rather remain fools than 
become wise through this medium. 

In the latter part of the fifth month, my dear wife 

N 



146 JOURNAL OP [1803. 

and I attended our quarterly meeting in Pasquotank, 
which was a suffering time to me, accompanied with 
some very awful sensations, but the vision was sealed, 
and not then to be opened to the people, and I was thank- 
ful for preservation in what I believed to be my lot, 
though deeply trying ; however, on the last day of the 
meeting, being first-day, and a mixed multitude gather- 
ed, my mouth was opened among them, and many were 
broken and melted down as before the Lord; may it be 
remembered to our lasting profit as the Lord's doing, 
which is ever marvellous in the eyes of his children. 
I felt considerable relief after this meeting, and returned 
homewards, calling to see a few of my old acquaintan- 
ces and near friends, at one of whose houses we were 
favoured with a heart-tendering opportunity, to our mu- 
tual comfort and refreshment. 

We got home pretty directly after the quarterly meet- 
ing, where I have been ever since, pretty much engaged 
in instructing some poor children, in our neighbour- 
hood, and attended our meetings constantly as they 
came in course, and almost as constantly silent therein, 
not having opened my mouth in more than three or 
four meetings for worship, perhaps in near six months, 
and frequently witnessing as great desertion as I almost 
ever experienced, insomuch that that scripture was of- 
ten remembered by me, " for I think that God hath set 
forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death 
for we are made a spectacle to the world and to angels 
and to men." About these days my situation was that 
of secret mourning and lamentation, not for the dead, 
but for them that were gone into captivity, and for the 
slain of the daughter of my people. — O, Lord, by whom 
shall Jacob's seed arise seeing it is so small and op- 
pressed. 



1803.] RICHARD JORDAN. 147 

In the latter part of the tenth month, I attended our 
yearly meeting held this year at New Garden about 
two hundred miles westward from my dwelling. I re- 
turned my certificate to the meeting of ministers and 
elders which they had given me in 1799, to travel in 
Europe ; and also produced several from friends in Eu- 
rope, expressive of their satisfaction with my travels 
in these countries, which were read in the meeting. 
At the same time I gave some little account of my visit, 
particularly that to the newly gathered meetings on the 
continent, which was very affecting to the minds of 
many. On the whole it was a memorable season, and 
I think it might be said that the yearly meeting through- 
out was a time of favour, which we have abundant 
cause to remember with heart-felt thankfulness and gra- 
titude to the Father of mercies. Several ministers from 
abroad were at this meeting with prospects of visiting 
the several branches thereof, which seemed renewedly 
to evince that our vineyard is not yet wholly forsaken, 
notwithstanding the very little fruit which it has pro- 
duced in proportion to the care and abundant labours 
of the great Husbandman, which demands our humilia- 
tion and endeavours for amendment, lest many of us 
be miserably destroyed, and the vineyard let to others. 

Not having any further prospect at this time than to 
attend the yearly meeting, I returned pretty directly 
home, and found the city as it were, still encompassed 
and threatened with desolation, and my prospect of re- 
turning to the mire and dungeon was so discouraging, 
that I was ready to make my request to the king, that 
"I might not return to the house of Jonathan lest I 
should die there ;" and as yet I have no assurance that 
I shall not be as deeply plunged as ever, yet if it be 
consistent with infinite wisdom, either for my own re- 



148 JOURNAL OF [1804. 

finement, or if it may eventually redound to the good 
of others, I submit though tremblingly. Lord, look 
down in mercy and preserve me. 

Eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth of eleventh 
month, were held our select, monthly and general meet- 
ings, in all of which I was opened in gospel authority 
once more to declare the everlasting Truth to our own 
people at home. These were humbling seasons ; may 
the Lord of the vineyard sanctify them to our improve- 
ment. After these meetings 1 felt considerably relieved 
from a great weight and burden, with which my spirit 
had for a long time been clothed. Twenty-second, I 
attended the burial of a youth belonging to our meeting, 
who deceased after a very few hours illness ; it was a 
memorable season, and I hope will prove as a nail fas- 
tened in a sure place to some then present. This week 
I also attended our quarterly meeting at Piney woods ; 
the select meeting was on sixth-day, meeting for bus- 
iness on seventh-day, and a large meeting for worship 
on first-day, all of which were seasons of high favour, 
especially the last two, in which many blessed God 
for the renewed offers of his salvation. Amen. 

1804. Having been apprehensive from the manner 
in which my mind has been exercised for several years 
past, and more especially since my return from Europe, 
that my future religious labours would be chiefly in the 
northern and eastern parts of this continent, insomuch 
that I was induced to believe it my duty to resign my- 
self up to the prospect of removing with my wife to 
New England, I accordingly communicated my pros- 
pects to our preparative and monthly meetings in the 
second month of this year, and a committee of men and 
women friends was appointed in the monthly meeting 
to take the matter under their consideration, and to vi- 



1804.] RICHARD JORDAN. 149 

sit us on the occasion ; my mind felt sweetly calmed in 
this resignation to apprehended religious duty. 

1 attended our quarterly meeting in the latter end of 
this month, held at Little River in Perquimmons, and 
also several other meetings in that county, which were 
mostly exercising and laborious, but on the whole tend- 
ed considerably to the relief of my own mind. I also 
attended a public meeting at Gate's Court House, ap- 
pointed by a friend from Ohio. 

Third month tenth, the committee appointed by our 
last monthly meeting to enquire into our circumstances, 
and to visit us on the subject of our removal to New 
England, met at our house, and divine Good attending 
the opportunity in a remarkable manner, they unani- 
mously concluded that the movement was right, and en- 
couraged us to attend to our prospects ; it was a water- 
ing time, which tended much to our strength and en- 
couragement. Seventh-day, seventeenth, at our month- 
ly meeting the committee reported their care and sense 
respecting our removal, .and having prepared certifi- 
cates for us, they laid them before the meeting. This 
was also an affecting time, sundry friends from other 
monthly meetings being with us, after a time of solid 
deliberation and sympathy, friends generally seemed 
induced to believe it their duty to resign us, and accord- 
ingly signed our certificates with much unanimity and 
great solemnity. After which my poor exercised mind 
felt humbly thankful in being enabled once more thus far 
to make a full surrender of myself and my all for the 
glorious cause I had embarked in, and which at times 
has been more precious to me than my natural life, or 
any thing I possessed in this world. 

First-day, twenty-fifth, at our meeting I was favoured 
with rather uncommon peace and tranquility of mind, 

N 2 



150 JOURNAL OF [1804, 

and towards the latter part of it, I had considerable com- 
munication 1 thought with a good degree of clearness, 
but very soon after meeting a fear possessed my mind 
that it had been too much my own, or at least that not- 
withstanding the vision seemed to be clear, I had taken 
my own time in opening it to others, and for a consider- 
able time after I felt miserable. Lord, if it be thine hand 
that is thus chastening me, go on, spare not, nor let 
thine eye pity until thou hast made a full end, and 
brought me into unreserved conformity to thy own 
blessed mind and will concerning me, as thou art 
pleased clearly to manifest it to me on all occasions, 
that so O Lord, I may be preserved watchful and at- 
tentive not only to the opening of thy holy visions of 
light, but also to the times and seasons, as thou art pleas- 
ed to make them known in thy own blessed power. So, 
O Lord, take unto thee thy own power, and rule and 
reign both inwardly and outwardly over all, who art 
God over all, blessed forevermore. Amen. 

Having now obtained certificates of removal, I began 
to dispose of my little outward affairs, in which I suc- 
ceeded beyond my expectation in much calmness and 
resignation. 

In the fifth month, I attended the yearly meeting in 
Virginia, and returned to my outward affairs with peace 
and tranquility of mind, and by the first of the sixth 
month, I so far accomplished the settlement of them, 
that on the fourth, being the day appointed for our de- 
parture, a considerable number of friends and neigh- 
bours coming in to see us on the occasion, we had a 
solid religious opportunity together and then took our 
solemn leave of them, and set out on this arduous jour- 
ney. 

We reached Suffolk in two days, though the weather 



1805.] RICHARD JORDAN. 151 

was very hot, and spent nearly three weeks about 
Western Branch, visiting our friends and relations, and 
attending several meetings in the time, and having 
agreed for a passage in a vessel bound for New York, 
we embarked the twenty-fourth of sixth month, and 
landed in New York on the first of the seventh. The 
passage being tedious, and my dear female companions 
very sea-sick most of the time, we staid in New York 
until the ninth, when we again took passage in a packet 
for New Haven, where we arrived the next day about 
noon, and the day following went by land to Hartford, 
the intended place of our residence, where we arrived 
the same day about one o'clock in the morning, and 
met a cordial reception at the house of our kind friends 
Thomas and Charity Rotch, with whom we sojourned 
about six weeks. In the course of this time I purchased 
a farm agreeably situated about a quarter of a mile from 
the little meeting of friends here, but did not get full 
possession until the spring following, but we took a 
couple of rooms in a friend's house where we sojourn- 
ed about seven months. 

I spent most of the winter in keeping friends 1 little 
school here, and about the twenty-sixth of the third 
month, 1 805, we got to our new habitation on the farm ; 
and though it was very much out of repair, we felt very 
glad and thankful in being favoured once more to settle 
down in a cottage of our own, having for a consider- 
able time sojourned from place to place as poor pil- 
grims, having no certain dwelling place. 

After our settlement I went very little abroad except 
to the monthly meeting of Oblong, and the quarterly 
meeting of Nine Partners, of which we were now mem- 
bers. This summer I also attended the yearly meetings 
of New York and Rhode Island, and a few meetings at 



152 JOURNAL OF [1806. 

New Bedford, Providence, &c. and returned to my lit- 
tle family with solid peace of mind, with whom 1 think 
I never enjoyed more sweet comfort and satisfaction 
than about these days. May the Lord preserve us in 
his love and fear, and keep us thankful for the many fa- 
vours which he hath been pleased to bestow upon us in 
these days of our pilgrimage. 

I now felt at liberty to stay at home for some time, 
and attend to my domestic affairs, in order to make my 
family as comfortable as our circumstances would ad- 
mit of, though constantly attending our own meetings 
both for worship and discipline, for we had now a 
monthly meeting settled at Hartford. 

1806, About these days temptations and trials seem- 
ed to assail me with redoubled force, so that I was al- 
most ready to conclude my best help had departed from 
me, and I had scarcely strength to look up or cry for 
help either in meetings or out of them, but verily was 
often afraid that 1 should finally loose my hold and fall 
into grievous and horrible temptations, and so become 
yet a reproach to that blessed cause which I had once 
so much loved, and thus the last error be worse than 
the first. But blessed be the infinitely wise and merci- 
ful God, who was pleased to regard even my weak ef- 
forts of desire towards him, and accept it as prayer; 
blessed be his holy name, He is still a God hearing 
prayer, and in tender mercy is pleased to accept the 
sincerity of desire, when we have no words in which to 
call upon him ; and when we can bear no more, and are 
brought to see that all our own help has failed us, he is 
then pleased to draw near, and repel the enemy, and 
deliver us out of his hand. O, what shall I render unto 
thee, saith my soul, who hath been pleased thus to draw 
near and deliver me, yea, poor helpless me! — magnified 



1807.] RICHARD JORDAN. 153 

be thy blessed and ever adorable name, now, hence- 
forth, and forevermore 1 

I was mostly about home except the attendance of 
our quarterly and yearly meetings, until the fourth 
month, 1807, when 1 attended the yearly meeting of 
Philadelphia, and several other meetings in the city and 
neighbourhood, to solid satisfaction, and on my return 
took the Yearly meeting of New York in the fifth 
month, and so home, where I only staid one week be- 
fore I again set out, and attended the yearly meeting of 
Rhode Island, and a few other meetings, and soon re- 
turned home, where I staid mostly until the latter end 
of the ninth month. I then again left home in order to 
attend the yearly meeting of Baltimore in the tenth 
month, which was to good satisfaction ; indeed, I thought 
it one of the most solid, instructive and encouraging op- 
portunities of the kind I had ever experienced. 

I have now attended all the yearly meetings for dis- 
cipline in the world, and some of them several times 
over, and I may remark, that notwithstanding weak- 
nesses and imperfections are still observable amongst 
this people, yet I have had abundant cause to marvel at 
the preservation which is still vouchsafed to them by 
the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls, in keeping 
them so near together, in that harmony and one- 
ness, which ever characterizes his true followers. May 
neither heights nor depths, principalities nor powers, 
things present, nor yet to come, nor life nor death, nor 
any other creature, ever be able to separate them from 
this love of God, which has been so marvellously mani- 
fested to them through Christ Jesus our Lord. I at- 
tended a number of meetings after this memorable 
yearly meeting, to good satisfaction, and returned home 
with solid peace of mind. 



154 JOURNAL OF [1808-9. 

Having had drawings in my mind for a considerable 
time to visit friends in some parts of Rhode Island and 
Massachusetts, I obtained a minute from our monthly 
meeting for that purpose, and set out in the latter end 
of the first month, 1808. I was out in this little jour- 
ney nearly three months, and in that time attended 
about sixty meetings, sundry of which were public 
meetings appointed for those not in profession with us, 
which were largely attended by them, and generally to 
solid satisfaction, insomuch that the priests at several 
places, as well as the people, would desire another meet- 
ing ; but I dare not do any thing of the kind in my own 
will ; and as I endeavoured to keep near my good 
guide, and to be led about and instructed only by Him, 
I humbly trust preservation was vouchsafed, so that the 
holy cause of religion was not wounded, nor the minds 
of any class of its professors hurt ; and I returned to my 
outward habitation with solid peace of mind ; blessed 
be the Lord. 

I went very little from home this summer, except in 
attending our quarterly meeting at Nine Partners. In 
the second month, 1809, I was at the quarterly meet- 
ings of Providence and Smithfield, in Rhode Island, and 
also several other meetings in the course of the journey 
in that state, generally to good satisfaction ; and in the 
fourth month, having obtained a minute from our month- 
ly meeting for the purpose, I attended the yearly meet- 
ing of Friends in Philadelphia, and spent some tim£ in 
that city, much to my satisfaction. I also visited some 
parts of its vicinity, as well as their West-town Boarding 
School, which appeared to be in excellent order, and 
attended the meeting on first-day morning with the chil- 
dren, about two hundred in number, which was a bless- 



1809.] RICHARD JORDAN. 155 

ed heart-comforting season; indeed it was like a plenti- 
ful shower on tender plants, blessed be the Lord. 

I also took several meetings in New Jersey, on my 
way to New York, where I attended our own yearly 
meeting in the fifth month, and then returned pretty 
directly home. Lord, preserve me here in my lonely, 
pelican-like state, for thy rich favours I am not worthy 
to abide under ; but if for the sake of others, thou art 
pleased at times to vouchsafe them, I magnify and adore 
thy name. 

I went very little abroad this summer, except in the 
latter end of the eighth month to our quarterly meeting 
at Nine Partners, and spent about two weeks in visiting 
the meetings of friends in that and Stanford neighbour- 
hoods, to the satisfaction of my own mind, and I believe 
of friends generally, and T returned home with solid 
peace. And now I may mention a trying dispensation 
which I have had to pass through for more than eigh- 
teen months ; indeed it has been nearly two years since 
my mind became impressed with a language which was 
intelligible to my mental ear, saying, " Ye have encom- 
passed this mountain long enough ;" and 1 said in my 
heart, " What ! must I break up again, and become a 
sojourner ?" For a time I saw not where I should go, 
and I said, " Lord ! where shall I go, and where shall I 
sojourn ?" and 1 seemed to be left under this conflicting 
dispensation, without any sight or pointing to any par- 
ticular place or service ; but after a time of sore con- 
flict, and seeking to know the blessed mind and will of 
the Lord concerning this thing, at length a little meeting 
of friends called Newton, in New Jersey, a branch of 
the monthly meeting of Haddonfield, opened as the 
place, within the verge of which I was to go and reside 
with my family. This prospect became so impressive, 



156 JOURNAL OF [1809. 

that 1 mentioned it in our meeting at Hartford more 
than a year since, in order for their sympathy and com- 
munication, as way might open. I had here a fine farm, 
now in good order, and likely to be very productive, so 
that we were comfortably settled as to the outward. 
Ah ! Simon son of Jonas, how didst thou feel, when, 
under the blessing of heaven, thou hadst just made a fine 
draught in the line of thy outward business, and thy 
divine Master queried, " Simon, son of Jonas, lovest 
thou me more than these ?" Yea, when thy crealurely 
attachments were so closely tried, and brought to the 
test by His querying even to the third time, respecting 
thy preference for Him, until thou w r ast grieved, be- 
cause thou hadst aforetime professed to love Him ; and 
yet even at the third q^iery, being sensible of thy own 
weakness, thou seemest almost afraid to say " more than 
these :" but He who loved thee would prove thy love, 
and therefore did tell thee plainly, that although in thy 
younger years thou didst gird thyself, and wentest whi- 
thersoever thou wouldest, yet now if thou " lovest me 
more than these," or above all, so as to go and feed my 
sheep and lambs at my bidding, thou must submit to be 
girded by another, even by me, and carried where thou 
wouldst not, of thy own inclination, go ; but as though 
he had said for thy encouragement, "never heed, Si- 
mon, only do as I bid thee and all will be well, ' he saith 
unto thee, " follow me." 

I must now leave this seeming digression, and men- 
tion, that as soon as I w T as fully satisfied in my own 
mind, of the propriety of my giving up to this prospect, 
I requested a certificate of removal, (which was some 
months ago,) and having now obtained one, and having 
also settled my affairs, so that none should suffer by me, 
I took my solemn leave of friends and neighbours, and 



1809.] RICHARD JORDAN. 157 

left Hartford with my little family, about the eleventh 
of the tenth month, 1809, and after a pleasant journey, 
we arrived at Samuel Cooper's, near the place of our 
intended residence, and met with a kind reception from 
that amiable family, and at their invitation sojourned 
with them for a few weeks, until our household goods 
arrived, which we had shipped round by water, and we 
had got a little prepared for housekeeping, which we 
commenced in the eleventh month, within a mile of 
Newton meeting house. 

The good angel whom we believe to have been with 
us in all the way, has still hitherto been near, comfort- 
ing our minds in our lonely habitation, in our solitary 
walks, and in our religious meetings, enabling me to 
speak of his goodness among the people, which seems 
to have endeared many of us one unto another. And 
now, O Lord, thou hast seen all our temptation, and 
the anxiety and tribulation of our souls ; we are here 
under an apprehension of its being according to thy re- 
quiring, and in thy divine appointment ; oh Lord, look 
down upon us, and be near unto us in all our tempta- 
tions and besetments, in all our tribulations and dis- 
tresses, and in all our goings in and out among the peo- 
ple : Be pleased to remember us, we pray thee, as 
among the poor and dependant ones, that have daily 
need of thy aid : we ask neither worldly riches nor hon- 
our ; give us, if it be consistent with thy good will and 
pleasure, food and raiment convenient for us, and be 
thou, O Lord, our strength in weakness, our riches in 
poverty, and our present help in every needful time, 
that so we may be enabled to honour thee in thy bless- 
ed cause on earth, and bring praise to thy great name 
through our lives and in our death, who art God over 
all, blessed forever more. 

O 



158 JOURNAL OP [1810. 

1810. Fifth month, fifteenth. I have had great satis- 
faction in the constant attendance of our little meeting, 
as well as in some visits to the sick and afflicted, as also 
some others among my friends, and in the attending 
of our late yearly meeting in Philadelphia. In the lat- 
ter part of the fifth, and fore part of the sixth months, I 
attended the yearly meetings of friends in New York 
and Rhode Island, and a few other meetings in the 
course of the journey, to satisfaction, which took up 
about six weeks. I am now returned to my habitation 
again, I think as sensible as ever of my entirely depen- 
dent state. Lord ! keep and preserve me low, and in a 
state of entire dependance on Thee, who art the Giver 
of every good and perfect gift. 

In the tenth month I attended the yearly meeting of 
Baltimore, and also that of North Carolina, which was 
held this year at Little River, in Perquimmons county. 
I also attended nearly all the meetings of friends in 
these lower counties, and had a few public meetings ; 
and also visited the place of my former residence in 
North Carolina, and sundry of my near relations both 
in that state and Virginia. I was helped to labour in 
the love of the gospel among my friends and relations 
in this journey, which I believe was accepted by many 
of them as a renewed visitation, as well as by many 
others to whom the gospel was freely preached, and 
which tended greatly to the solid peace and comfort of 
my own mind. 

On my way homewards I spent about a week at Bal- 
timore, in which time I attended sundry meetings with 
friends, and then returned pretty directly home to my 
family, where I found all well and comfortable, for 
which I was truly thankful, as well as for the many 
favours, preservations and deliverances, through the 



1811-4.] RICHARD JORDAN. 159 

difficulties and dangers I had encountered in the 
course of this journey ; blessed be the Lord. 

1811. I attended the yearly meetings of Philadel- 
phia and New York to satisfaction, as also some of the 
neighbouring quarterly and monthly meetings in Penn- 
sylvania and New Jersey, in the course of this year ; 
and having now lived two years in a hired house, 1 
purchased a small house and lot near our Newton meet- 
ing house, to which we removed in the spring of 1812 ; 
and for some time after our removal I went not much 
abroad, except to attend the yearly meetings of New 
York and Baltimore, until the beginning of the year 
1813, when, with the concurrence of friends, I visited 
the meetings along the sea coast in this state. Although 
sensible that the seed of life lay low in many places 
where my lot was cast, yet as I endeavoured to keep 
low, and dwell with it, I was enabled to labour in the 
love of the gospel, and at times to experience the aris- 
ing and prevalency of it over all, to our comfort and re- 
joicing. I was favoured to return to my family in peace, 
after being out about five weeks, in which time I tra- 
velled between four and five hundred miles, and attend- 
ed about twenty-three meetings with friends and others, 
to satisfaction ; blessed be the Lord, our alone helper 
and preserver. 

1814. In the winter of 1814, I spent a little time in 
visiting the meetings of friends in Philadelphia, to good 
satisfaction, and on my return, my dear wife was seized 
with a malignant typhus fever, and was brought nigh 
unto death ; but the Lord had mercy on us, and raised 
her up again, after a confinement of more than three 
months ; for which favour I was truly thankful, as the 
loss to me would have been inexpressibly great, al- 
though 1 was well convinced that my loss would have 



160 JOURNAL OF [1815-16 

been her unspeakable gain ; as her innocent soul through 
all her bodily sufferings, seemed centered in a state of 
calm, quiet resignation to the divine will. I was also 
thankful for the preservation of my bodily health, so as 
to be able constantly to attend upon her through the 
whole : may all these favours be remembered by us 
with heart-felt gratitude. By the time of our yearly 
meeting in the fourth month, 1815, my dear wife was 
so far recovered that I attended it. 

I also attended the yearly meeting of New York in 
fifth month, and returned directly home ; and in the 
tenth month following, I attended the yearly meeting of 
Baltimore, much to the salisfaction of my own mind* 
and returned pretty directly home to my domestic 
affairs, where I enjoyed my health quite as well as usual 
until about the first of the second month, 1816, when I 
was seized with the ague, which operated violently 
upon me, about once in twenty-four hours, for several 
days, and my health was so affected by it, that I was 
mostly confined in and about the house for several 
weeks, in a very weak state. But are not these dispen- 
sations of mercy, from Him who afflicts not willingly, 
neither delights in grieving his children? Afflictions 
are said not to arise out of the dust, nor troubles out of 
the ground, and as He who is the great Controller of 
events, can sanctify all our troubles and afflictions to 
us, and make them subservient to his own wise purposes, 
may I improve under every afflictive dispensation which 
is permitted to befal me ; may they all be sanctified to 
my good, and may He make them all subservient to his 
own wise purposes, that I may acknowledge him in all 
my ways, and know Him to direct my paths ; even so, 
Amen. 



1818-23.] RICHARD JORDAN. 161 

1818. Since the latter end of the year 1815, I have 
not been out on any considerable journey, but have ap- 
prehended that my business was much about home in 
the attendance of our own meetings as they came in 
course ; yet not unfrequently I went to some of the 
neighbouring quarterly and monthly meetings, and also 
attended our meeting for sufferings in Philadelphia. 
Being now in the sixth-third year of my age, my pros- 
pects seem much closed as respects long journeys, feel- 
ing an increase of the infirmities attendant on advanced 
years, though blessed be my gracious Helper I enjoy a 
good share of health and strength at present, consider- 
ing my time of life ; yet the prayer of David seems pre- 
valent, " Cast me not offin the time of old age, forsake 
me not when my strength faileth." 

1821. Seventh month. I have now been for most of 
two years, afflicted with a complaint in my chest, which 
has rendered me unfit for much service ; yet I have 
been enabled to visit sundry neighbouring quarterly 
meetings, and to attend our yearly meeting, as also our 
own monthly and particular meetings, in which at times 
living desires are raised, that after the example of good 
old Simeon, I may be found "waiting for the consola- 
tion of Israel." 

1 823. Eighth month. My mind has long been bur- 
dened with hearing assertions made that every child 
coming into the world is placed precisely in the same 
situation as Adam was when in Paradise, or as he came 
out of the hands of his Maker, and speaking slightly of 
the atonement x>f Christ, bringing down that blessed suf- 
fering Saviour and Redeemer of men to the level of other 
good persons in common. Well would it be for such, 
in my apprehension, if they would seriously consider 
the import of a part of the apostle's comment on the law 

O 2 



162 JOURNAL OF [1825. 

of Moses; viz: " He that despised Moses's law died 
without mercy under two or three witnesses; of how 
much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought 
worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, 
and hath counted the blood of the covenant wherewith 
he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done des- 
pite unto the spirit of grace ; for we know Him that 
hath said, vengeance belongeth unto me I will recom- 
pense, saith the Lord ; and again, the Lord shall judge 
his people : it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of 
the living God/' I am sometimes ready to tremble 
at beholding the signs of the times, as relates both to 
church and state, and I think 1 never saw with greater 
clearness the necessity of being diligently engaged to 
feel after a foundation in ourselves, if happily we may 
be favoured, at least at times, with a comfortable evi- 
dence that it is the sure one, on which alone there is 
safety and preservation ; and the awfulness of feeling 
which sometimes covers my mind, seems to produce a 
solicitude at least, if not something like a prayer, for 
myself and for those of my friends whose situation may 
somewhat resemble that of those who wept as between 
the porch and the altar ; " Lord increase our faith." 

1825. Having now for several years been very 
much indisposed in my bodily health, 1 have not been out 
on any long journey, though mostly able to attend our 
own yearly and other meetings, and a few neighbour- 
ing quarterly meetings, as also a yearly meeting or two, 
until last summer and fall, when I got very little out, but 
was favoured so far to recover my health as mostly to 
get to our own meetings, as they came in course, during 
the past winter. 

And now what shall I say more. — The Lord has 
been pleased in the inscrutable counsel of his will, to 



1825.] RICHARD JORDAN. 163 

take from me my dear partner, who ended her useful 
life in this world on the morning of the second of third 
month last, almost without sickness or pain, in the 
seventy-third year of her age ; being as well as usual 
the day before, and engaged in her domestic concerns. 
We had sojourned together for most of half a century, 
and I could say much of her virtues, not only as a faith- 
ful helpmeet in our outward concerns, but in always 
giving me up cheerfully to the service of Truth, and 
sustaining my absence with Christian magnanimity, and 
sympathy with me in my labours and travels in the 
cause of Truth and righteousness, and a consoling evi- 
dence attends her departure, that she has sweetly fallen 
asleep in Jesus ; and therefore though I sorrow, yet 
not as those who have no hope ; for surely I am one in 
faith with the apostles of our Lord, that " them that 
sleep in Jesus, will God bring with him." And now, 
O Lord, thou hast taken the mother with the chil- 
dren, and left me behind a little space longer in this 
state of probation, for causes known only to thyself; 
for thou art not bound to give account of thy matters 
to any ; it is enough for us to know that thou doest all 
things right; and will do for us more than we can ask 
or think. But because thou art a God hearing prayer, 
be pleased O Lord to be near by thy secret power and 
keep and preserve me during the short remainder of 
my time in this world, so that 1 may be enabled to 
finish the good fight, and keep the faith of thy beloved 
Son, Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Saviour, and 
so finish my course with joy; for thou, O Lord, art 
faithful who hast promised a crown of righteousness. 
Amen. 



164 ADDENDA, [1826. 



ADDENDA. 



After the decease of his dear wife, our beloved 
friend seemed to pass the remainder of his days, as a 
servant waiting for the coming of his Lord, having a 
clear foresight that his earthly pilgrimage was nearly 
accomplished, and several times spoke of his decease as 
being at hand. He attended the yearly meeting of New 
York in 1826, and shortly after, in the seventh month, 
was at three of the monthly meetings in Philadelphia, 
and spent some time in visiting his friends there, much 
to the peace of his own mind, remarking, when about 
to return home, that if it proved his last visit he should 
be well satisfied w 7 ith it. 

In the eighth month he attended the quarterly meet- 
ings of Abington, and Salem held at Woodbury. On 
his way home from the latter, his mind was much en- 
gaged in contemplating the present situation of the 
Society of Friends, lamenting with much feeling, the 
deviations from simplicity and plainness which were 
conspicuous in many of the members, the avidity with 
which they pursued the pleasures and riches of the 
world, and the apparent want of religious concern 
on their ow T n.account, and for the welfare of the church. 
Much labour, he remarked, had been bestowed upon 
them; spiritual and temporal blessings had been dispens- 
ed with a liberal hand, and yet disobedience and ingra- 



*826.] ADDENDA. 165 

titude had been too generally returned for all these fa- 
vours ; and he feared lest those who might be consider- 
ed as the children of the kingdom, if they persisted in 
this course, would be cast out, and others raised up, 
as from the stones of the streets, to support the doc- 
trines and testimonies given to friends to bear. He 
however expressed, that gloomy as the prospect of 
a succession of upright standard bearers seemed, he 
had faith to believe, that those doctrines and testi- 
monies never would fall to the ground, and although 
many were predicting that the present commotions 
within our borders would disorganize the Society, yet 
this would not be the case, but those who continued to 
maintain the ancient faith and discipline of Friends, 
would be preserved as a distinct body of Christian pro- 
fessors. 

On parting with the friend who accompanied him, 
he alluded to his late visit to the city of Philadelphia, 
and after expressing the great peace he felt in recurring 
to it, observed that it would be his last visit. The 
friend expressed his earnest desire that the solemn pre- 
sentiment might not be realised, and remarked, how 
much he would be missed at the present time of trial 5 
to which Richard Jordan replied, " Yes, but you must 
part from me at some time, and perhaps it will be as 
easy now as ever," repeating the assurance that it would 
be his final visit. This was on fifth-day afternoon the 
eleventh of eighth month, and on the following day he 
was taken sick. After this he attended meeting but a 
few times, being mostly confined to the house or bed, 
except occasionally riding out for a change of air and 
exercise. 

His last illness was tedious, continuing for more than 
two months, and while the gradual decay of his bodily 



166 ADDENDA. [1826. 

powers was apparent, the strength and vigour of his 
mind seemed to remain unimpaired almost to the close. 

He did not appear disposed to converse much on or- 
dinary topics or temporal affairs, but at times made 
many instructive remarks upon religious subjects. He 
mourned over the desolating effects of the spirit of un- 
belief, which, under the plausible but false pretext of 
exalting the "light within," was leading many incau- 
tious minds into a denial of the saving truths of Chris- 
tian Redemption, and a disregard of the plain and irre- 
fragable testimonies contained in the sacred volume, 
declaring, as his full belief, that all those who were 
really led by the spirit of Christ, would feel themselves 
constrained reverently to believe in, and to acknow- 
ledge all that is recorded in the holy scriptures, con- 
cerning the coming and sufferings, the death and offices, 
of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as he appeared 
in the flesh at Jerusalem. 

He several times mentioned his firm conviction at 
that solemn period, that painful as is the present state 
of things amongst us, to the true disciples of the Lamb, 
it would be made the means of purifying the society of 
much of its dross ; that such as stood faithful in their al- 
legiance to Christ, would be deepened by it in the life 
of religion, and some of them would live to see the so- 
ciety in a far better state than it now is. He had seen, 
he said, that the Lord would take the cause into his 
own hand, and none should be able to hinder him — 
that he would choose his own instruments, and those of 
this society who had been highly favoured, but who 
had turned their backs and forsaken Him, would be cast 
out, and others brought in who would stand for the 
honour of His great name and for His cause in the 
earth. 



1826.] ADDENDA. 167 

On the sixteenth of the ninth month, a friend calling 
to see him, he made some observations on the nature 
of his disease, and intimated that he thought his re- 
covery doubtful, considering his advanced age and the 
great prostration of his strength ; but he several times 
remarked that he had no will but the Lord's will. 
" Yet," added he, " T have lived to see the end of one 
"revolution, (meaning, as he himself explained it, in 
the Society of Friends in Ireland, during his visit there,) 
" and if it was the Lord's will, I should have no objec- 
" tion to see the end of the troubles that have come over 
"the society in this land." With much feeling and 
deep sorrow he then expressed his concern for those 
under the name of Quakers, who, by giving way to their 
creaturely wisdom and carnal reasoning, have departed 
from the Christian faith, the principles and doctrines of 
the religious Society of Friends. With much emphasis, 
he said, " Oh, what will those men do that deny the 
"divinity of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ? What 
" refuge will they have at such at time as this, on a sick- 
" bed — Oh, what will become of them !" Once he said 
" I would not be in their state for any thing in the 
" world." 

He intimated, that during this sickness he had had 
great opportunity for reflection, both by day and by 
night, and he had thought much upon the awful state of 
those people that deny the Lord, and the only hope of 
salvation — " which, added he, is by the mercy of God, 
through the merits and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ." 
Then with much emphasis exclaimed, "My hope, my 
"only hope for salvation is in the mercy of God, 
" through the merits of Jesus Christ." These, or words 
nearly like them, he repeated several times during the 
conversation. He commented very instructively on the 



168 ADDENDA. [182G- 

ground of this his hope, and the great stay and consola- 
tion it was to his mind. " Oh," said he, "I would 
" not give this hope in the mercy of God, through Jesus 
u Christ, for the whole world.'" He then proceeded to 
relate that during his illness, many scriptnre passages 
both in the old and new testament, had been unfolded 
to his mind with great clearness and comfort, respect- 
ing the plan devised by Divine Love for the restoration 
of poor fallen man, and the salvation of sinners. 

After setting forth the fall of man through the -tempta- 
tion and subtlety of Satan, and his aspiring above the 
condition allotted him by his beneficent Creator, he 
proceeded to open some of those passages, beginning 
with the promise of the Seed of the woman that should 
bruise the serpent's head, Genesis, iii. 15. — adducing 
many other scripture testimonies, which show that this 
Seed is Christ, even He who died for our sins on the 
cross, and who is a propitiatory sacrifice for the sins of 
the whole world, an Advocate with the Father, and 
Mediator between God and man. He enlarged upon 
what faith in God, and in our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, had done in every generation, and then empha- 
tically said, " this is also my faith, and I shall die in it 
as I have lived, hoping in God's mercy through our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." He made many other 
remarks at the same time, that evinced his deep solici- 
tude on account of the spirit of infidelity which has 
crept in amongst us, tracing its origin to the pride of 
the human heart. 

On second-day, the eighteenth of the month, a friend 
being with him, he made some instructive observations 
on the present situation of the society, and with much 
tenderness of feeling mourned over the young and inex- 
perienced, who were deluded by the fair pretences of 



1826.] ADDENDA. 



169 



some who were considered leaders of the people, and 
whom they had been accustomed to look up to as ex- 
amples and instructors in the church; while these were 
taking advantage of the influence they had obtained, to 
inculcate pernicious principles, and infuse into their un- 
suspecting minds the poison of unbelief. For these un- 
wary youth, thus exposed to the artifices of designing 
men, he manifested tender commiseration and sym- 
pathy. But he said he believed the time was coming, 
and perhaps was not far distant, when these false teach- 
ers would be fully exposed. 

There were many, he remarked, who went under the 
name of Friends, that had never been convinced of, nor 
yielded obedience to, the principles and doctrines of 
the society, but had made a mere empty profession ; and 
it was no marvel if such as these were carried off with 
the unsound notions which were now promulgated. 
He believed it had been permitted, in order to manifest 
such as these — as a society w r e were very impure and 
needed much sifting to make us as we should be. But 
he was firm in the faith that the ancient doctrines and 
principles of the society, as set forth in the Holy Scrip- 
tures, must and would prevail over all opposition — that 
all those who were building on Jesus Christ, would be 
preserved amid all the storms and commotions which 
now agitate the society, and that it would yet arise and 
shine in more of its ancient beauty, than many now 
living have ever seen it, adding, "I may not live to see 
it, but there are some of you that Will. 11 

He expressed much more during the course of this 
interesting conversation, not only manifesting the 
calm and confiding state of his mind and his unshaken 
faith in the Rock of Ages on which he had built, but 
also his full conviction that the Christian faith of 

P 



170 



ADDENDA. [1826. 



the Society of Friends would eventually triumph, and 
that after the necessary conflict and suffering were en- 
dured, to purify it from such nominal professors as hold 
the truth in unrighteousness and bring reproach upon 
the name of Christ by their unholy conduct and un- 
christian opinions, the society would be enabled to rise 
superior to its present difficulties, and with renewed 
brightness hold up the light of a Christian conduct, con- 
versation, and profession to the world. Great was the 
anxiety he evinced, that the friends of Christ and his 
holy cause might stand firm in a patient, persevering 
testimony against every innovation whether in doctrine 
or discipline, and by the steadfastness of their faith, the 
purity of their lives, and the meekness and humility of 
their spirits, evince that while they dared not strive to 
carry party views and schemes, they felt themselves 
constrained by a sense of religious duty, earnestly to 
contend for the faith once delivered to the saints. 

A meeting having been appointed near his residence, 
by a person who held and promulgated the new notions, 
he appeared under much exercise of mind respecting 
it, and greatly concerned at the sorrowful consequences 
which resulted from the dissemination of these unsound 
views, and with great earnestness asked a friend who 
sat by him, " can nothing be done to prevent these per- 
sons from going about sowing their pernicious princi- 
ples." 

To a friend who called to see him, he observed, " it 
is a satisfaction to reflect, that my outward concerns 
are all settled ;" after a solemn pause, he added, " I 
know that I am a poor creature, and have nothing to 
depend on but the mercy of a gracious God, through 
Jesus Christ, my Lord : Oh ! these poor things that are 
trying to do away all belief in the authenticity of the 



1826.] ADDENDA. 171 

scriptures and in a Saviour, what will become of them? 
No other foundation can any man lay than that which 
is laid." In the conversation with this friend he ob- 
served, that his day's work was accomplished ; to ano- 
ther of his friends, that he did not feel as though he had 
much more to say, but was labouring after true stillness 
and patience, to be gathered to the Source of all good; and 
throughout the whole course of his illness, it was obvi- 
ous that his mind was often engaged in deep, inward, 
awful retirement, and waiting on the Lord. 

The disease gradually made its progress, and though 
the symptoms attending it were not very alarming, yet 
he seemed impressed with the belief that he should not 
survive it. When his friends would express their hopes 
of his recovery, though he seemed unwilling to give them 
pain by positively saying he should not, yet his replies 
generally evinced that he had no prospect of it. Once 
he said, his friends must exercise a patient hope, he had 
not seen that he should get well. At times his bodily 
sufferings were very great, but he was preserved in 
much patience and resignation to the Lord's will, often 
ejaculating with earnestness, " O blessed Saviour, O 
Lord Jesus, help me !" showing that his dependence 
was placed on the Physician of value. 

A few days before his decease, he remarked to a friend 
who was with him, "the crisis has not been shown me, 
when I shall be taken — but from the way I feel, it seems 
as if it could not be much longer," — the friend reply- 
ing, " then thou dost not think thou wilt recover" — he 
answered, " I leave it all to Him who knows how to 
order all things for the best ; I have no desire but that 
His blessed will may be done." 

On sixth-day night, the thirteenth of tenth month, he 
became much worse — his strength was fast failing, and 



172 ADDENDA. [1826. 

the power of articulation almost gone — and about three 
o'clock on the following morning, the near approach of 
death was apparent. He was in great suffering for a 
few hours, but about ten in the morning, the conflict 
seemed over, and exhausted nature ready to sink away: 
he said nothing during this time, except ejaculating 
with uplifted hands, " O Lord," which were his last 
words. He breathed shorter and shorter, until about a 
quarter after eleven, when his purified spirit quietly 
departed to the mansions of eternal glory. 

His remains were interred in Friends' burial ground 
at Newton, on second-day, the sixteenth of tenth month, 
1826, after which a large and solemn meeting was held. 



THE END. 



$64 4W 






^ "V. 
























<P rf 















x ^. 

































O 



\ 



*> ^ 



& 










otf 



, c> 
V X .v.. 



■- 






^ V s 










x0 c> 






V 












,^ % 






.-fc 









> 



Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: April 2006 

PreservationTechnologies 

A WORLD LEADER IN PAPER PRESERVATION 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Townshio. PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 












■ 



— 



— 



. -6 





u 




r~ . 








































<r> 














•S 






















' 





. 



©o x 



, 






■..'■ 



























</> \X 




%. 





















































































LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 





017 496 593-6 




